The beginning of the school year brings a vibrant energy to cities, traffic becomes crazy, and people get into the swing of the new season. It’s been the same since I was a kid. And guess what? Everywhere in the Women’s Market smells amazing - melons, peaches, figs, it’s like a trip down memory lane. I just pass there, to feel all happy and “high” on them.
Kids these days hardly have the luxury of making meaningful connections with food. But that’s not the worst part. In addition to the artificial scents intoxicating them from the ventilation of the food court in malls and the flavored vapes, their diet contains over 70% UPF. These are carefully crafted cocktails of refined sugar, artificial sweeteners, and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), along with bleached salt and hydrogenated vegetable fats. And the marketing is so enticing to their senses that even some adults find it hard to resist.
How bad is it?
At birth, a child receives beneficial, friendly bacteria from its mother through the birth canal and breast milk. These bacteria play a crucial role in shaping the child’s personality and overall well-being. However, modern women increasingly opt for the convenience of Caesarean sections and formula milk. In Bulgaria, for instance, over half of births are performed via Caesarean sections. Not only does this take away their source of natural immunity, but it also makes them more prone to sugar and chemicals.
Did you know that a seven-year-old today consumes more sugar than an adult did a century ago in their entire lifetime? And guess what? Sugar is the strongest known legal drug, and it wreaks havoc on the developing brain. It’s like a sugar rush that can destroy any hope for well-being if the gut microbiome isn’t healthy. Plus, because kids’ immune systems are so weak, they often need antibiotics, which makes the condition even worse. It’s a real mess!
These kids end up in school, where they are left at the mercy of the canteen’s meals, which Bulgaria has never excelled in. Or they end up on the streets. This situation only exacerbates the lack of nutrition education, as parents who lack it leave the country in a state of regulatory chaos regarding harmful foods and substances. Bulgaria ranks 22nd out of 29 countries in the Nanny State Index, indicating a lack of effective regulation in this area.
Overfed, sick, and undernourished
Due to the massive consumption of sugar, salt, and trans fats in fast and ultra-processed foods, children are overwhelmingly obese, developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, to name a few. On top of that, the addictive nature of electronic gadgets has obsessively anchored them in front of the screen for hours, further limiting their physical activity. This contributes to their irritability, short attention span, addiction to these harmful substances, and low overall physical fitness.
The aggressive and hidden advertising to which they are subjected exposes them to dangerous foods, substances, and drinks, fueling their appetite for dangerous products and incorrect food choices. With all this abundance of delicious treats, children turn to food as a way to cope with stress and emotional challenges. This overfeeds and undernourishes them, inevitably leading to eating disorders.
To address this situation, it is particularly important to introduce nutrition education programs in schools and to coach parents on what a healthy diet consists of. This way, kids can learn to be aware of what’s good for them and make healthier choices. Moreover, improving government policies and restricting the advertising of unhealthy foods can prevent children from being susceptible to packaged snacks, lunches, and sandwiches. Instead, we can encourage them to eat home-cooked meals with real vegetables, nuts, and fruits. This not only saves them money and time, but it also gives them the nutrients they need to grow healthy and feel full.
(Photo: Shkraba Anthony)
What they want vs. what they need
Instead of munching on snacks, pre-made sandwiches, noodles, ice cream, soups, protein bars, instant/natural juices, vapes, or energy drinks, why not try a box of homemade food? Imagine strips of carrots, cucumbers, or peppers topped with homemade hummus or cheese, sliced fruit, yogurt, green tea, or just water, and breathing exercises at will. After a long break, they can run freely and enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.
We can avoid Dr. David Ludwig’s dire prediction that their generation will be outlived by its parents. This isn’t just some scientific guess; it’s a matter of survival that demands our immediate attention. We need education, regulation, support, and healthy eating environments to make this happen.
My success in working with kids is not, by chance, a mere coincidence. You can even benefit from working with your favorite health coach towards your goals and dreams.