Let’s Serve NYC Kids Better

Guest Blogger:  Pamela Bonney, MS, RD, CDN, Nutrition and Health Consultant

In my work as a pediatric nutritionist, I often counsel families on the importance of making healthy choices and how to encourage their children to do so. So many parents report their struggles of trying to provide healthy food and drinks for their kids and the battles that ensure because kids want sugary drinks. Most of the added sugars in our diets come from sugary drinks such as sports drinks and sodas, and the excessive consumption of these added sugars increases the risk of developing heart disease. Just one can of regular soda contains more than the recommended daily amount of added sugar.

Unfortunately, more often than not, there is not a healthy alternative. As much as I encourage parents to be role models in this aspect and make healthy choices for themselves, it remains a challenge especially in today’s environment of such busy schedules and depending on the convenience of dining outside of the home.

Restaurants have the opportunity to work with parents in support of their families. By providing healthier drinks with kids’ meals, restaurants can play a role in supporting our children’s health.

I’m joining the American Heart Association in asking restaurants to serve kids better. I hope you’ll join me.

The views, opinions and positions expressed within our guest posts are those of the author alone and do not represent those of The American Heart Association | American Stroke Association. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The copyright of this content belongs to the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with them.

The American Heart Association’s blog is not intended to provide medical advice or treatment. Only your healthcare provider can provide that. The American Heart Association recommends that you consult your healthcare provider regarding your personal health matters. If you think you are having a heart attack, stroke or another emergency, please call 911 immediately.

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