There are many things that researchers have learned over the years in terms of nutrition and what is considered a healthy food choice. Thanks to research, those who care for children now know that eating a balanced meal is very important for the children they watch. Although junk food is convenient and delicious, healthy food will help children concentrate in class, and the benefits of healthy eating will pay off in the future. Eating healthily can help children in many aspects of their lives, but not eating well can cause problems in their physical bodies and learning minds in the future. Junk food may be very attractive because of its taste, price and convenience, but most children don't understand the health risks they indulge in. Junk food is harmful for many reasons, the most significant being the risk of obesity and obesity-related diseases; a study published in Pediatrics in 2004 that found “children who eat junk food are linked to many dangerous obesity risks.” According to this study, children who ate junk food were more likely to consume large amounts of carbohydrates, fats, and sugars when they ate junk food. The children were also less likely to eat dairy, fiber, fruits and vegetables than children who did not eat junk food. Another reason why junk food should be avoided by young children is that it causes chronic diseases. According to the Prevention Institute, researchers blame junk food for rising rates of hypertension, stroke and diabetes. Chronic disease rates are skyrocketing for children who regularly eat junk food. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts whether this trend of unhealthy eating will continue; “…one in three American adults will have diabetes by 2050.” I… middle of the paper… cutting can lead to a more energetic and sociable child, which can boost a child's confidence and self-esteem. It's obvious to understand why everyone, especially children, needs to eat healthy; Children establish the foundations of their eating habits when they are still young, so it is very important for parents to start with choosing healthy foods as children. If they start eating junk food; not only are they setting bad habits for the future, but they are also setting themselves up to do poorly in school. Eating healthy is not just a matter of taste, but also a way to improve your ability to do well in class and have a more positive outlook on life. Works Cited http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/ http://smallseotools.com / http://www.healthline.com/ www.care2.com http://www.nber.org/ http://www .ivillage.com/ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/http: //everydaylife.globalpost.com/