Tag Archives: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survery

Nearly Half of Kids’ Daily Intake Comes from Junk Calories

We’ve heard it for years – the daily diets of America’s children are in dire straits. Now, there is concrete proof. In a study recently profiled on ABC News, researchers from the National Cancer Institute in Maryland have analyzed data that proves the assumption. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey indicated that more than 40% of the calories consumed by children ages 2-18 were empty calories – calories that contain little to no nutrition. Half of these calories came from just six foods:

  • Soda
  • Cakes, donuts, cookies and other grains
  • Sugary fruit drinks
  • Dairy desserts
  • Pizza
  • Whole milk (more…)