Food Technology Magazine published their report in trends in the food industry this month, which includes statistics indicating that the popularity of take-out and premade foods is on the rise and that people perceive foods found in the refrigerated section of the supermarket as being healthier than frozen foods. Health concerns are growing, but still only 32% of meals are made "from scratch" at home and fewer than 20% of all meals are eaten at home - takeaway or homemade - are eaten at the table, with the whole family. The article (available as a PDF) is packed with fascinating statistics, but one of the lists is a clear indicator that no matter what adults are saying and doing in the quest for a healthier diet, the most important age group is being ignored: children.

The most popular kids menu items, from most ordered to least, are: chicken fingers, grilled cheese, hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, hot dog, cheeseburger, corn dog, cheese pizza, ice cream sundaes and spaghetti. Not only are these unhealthy, fat-filled meal choices, there isn't a vegetable on the list. French fries, which are often included with every item on a children's menu, do no constitute a separate menu item here.

What are we teaching our kids with this? It's no wonder that, as adults, we seek out these fatty and fried "comfort foods" that remind us of our childhoods. Are we setting kids up for a lifelong battle with obesity? According to the American Obesity Association, 15% of children under the age of 19 are obese. While there is progress being made towards stemming the growing rate of obesity and a greater awareness of health and nutrition, it is not enough to apply it only towards adults and adult diets. Parents need to choose healthier options for their children as well as for themselves. At home and in restaurants, parents need to offer fresh, non-fried vegetables to accompany meals. Foods like chicken fingers and cheese pizza should not be the staples of a child's diet.