Kids eating ultra-processed foods at alarming rate

ALPENA, Mich. – New information shows children and teens in the U.S. are eating ultra-processed foods at an alarming rate.

After months of being at home, many kids are headed back to the classroom, but not without some mental and physical side effects.

Like weight gain.

“Two-thirds of 67 percent of the average American diet is coming from ultra-processed foods,” said Jonathan Bailor, Executive Producer of health documentary “Better.”

What’s considered ultra-processed food? Sweetened breakfast cereals, pop, and artificially flavored cracker are just some examples.

“Food like substances which if you read the ingredients  you can’t pronounce what’s in them,” said Bailor.

The salt, sugars, colors and additives in these foods are deemed harmful by health professionals.

Bailor said parents need to wake up.

“A lot of people say it might be ok to feed these kids ultra- processed foods because if they’re just more active, they’ll be ok,” said Bailor. “The science has now proved you can’t exercise off chemicals,” said Bailor.

These overly processed food contribute to children’s obesity, heart disease, diabetes and even mental health issues.

Bailor said there is a start to a remedy.

“The easiest thing is just to look at the ingredients list of what you’re buying,” said Bailor. “If you can read the ingredients out aloud without misspeaking, you are doing radically better.”

While eating more fresh food is key, it’s looking for products with minimal ingredients that’s important.

And parents can use their buying power to help change the problem.

For more information on Bailor’s documentary “Better” go here.