#13

The author of passage “Mom, Dad, Buy Broccoli” highlights very important issue of advertising of the junk food for children. The article shows that commercials of this unhealthy went out of control. The passage states that the 10 biggest sellers of the “empty calories” decided to cut back on commercials directed to kids. I think that decision of reducing number of commercials that are directed to children is very important, and makes significant step to change habits of young Americans. We should remember that by many years the American families developed very bad style of eating of junk food. I believe that the fast food industries make our children fat, destroys the tradition of eating together with family at home, and change the habits of our society.

First of all, it is proved that: fast food, sodas and candies are not good for children. Children’s diet should be sustainable and very rich with natural ingredients. However, the large American food companies promote the food which is unhealthy. Many kids drink everyday huge quantity of soda, overeat chips, French fries and hamburgers from fast food companies. This food is very unhealthy. The food studies show that each generation is more obese than the previous one. Children don’t spend enough time making outdoor activities. As an example I can mention children of my neighbors that spend about four hours every day playing computer games, and eating junk food at the same time. Their parents don’t like to cook at home. In the effect, children don't know how beneficial eating fresh fruits and vegetables can be because they eat just high processed food from McDonalds, Taco Bell, Wendy’s etc.

Another interesting issue is the fact that junk food destroys the traditional way of eating in American houses. By many years the most important place of American house was the table. Parents used to meet their children as well as friends of family by one table in order to eat together self-prepared dinner. The habit of eating together is very important for the families because reinforce relationship between parents and their children.  However, I noticed that the most important item of nowadays home became computer, TV ,and smart phone. The “modern” families don’t cook anymore at home. Many of my friends prefer calling for delivery of food from the near fast food than cook by themselves. In addition, less and less families eat together. I am friend with one family, and I noticed that each member of that family takes its disposable food container and goes eating by himself at his room and watching TV or playing computer games at the same time. I think that this custom caused devastation of something very important: the strong family ties, because parents have less opportunity to for real conversation with their kids, and this is very sad.

       Finally, I believe that the food companies changed the lifestyle of Americans. The young generation relate synonym of good food with the companions such as McDonalds or Wendy’s. They are so wrong; therefore it is very important to educate young people about the quality of food that they eat. In my opinion the commercials of unhealthy food that are directed to children should not be allowed. Children and teenagers are still under process of development, and messages sent by commercials can effect negatively on their life. It is important that the young generation understand that eating junk food is unhealthy and causes obesity and heard diseases, therefore the information from the passage that 10 large companies decided to cutting back on advertising junk food to children is very optimistic.

       As shown uncontrolled habit of eating junk food and uncontrolled advertising of unhealthy food can have very significant results for us and our children. Eating fast food make progressively our society sick and obese.  In addition devastate very important tradition of eating together by one table. Finally irreversible can change our lifestyle. Therefore is very important to understand that problem. I believe as educated members of our society we should promote healthy food and traditional behaviors among our families. It will make relationship of families stronger and healthier.