Let Them Eat Cake: Is Moderation The Key to Kids and Junk Food?

According to the C.D.C. childhood obesity rates have more than tripled in the past 30 years. This puts our children at risk for a plethora of dangerous health risks and illnesses. Most organizations and the government alike are trying to reverse these alarming statistics by cutting unhealthy influences out of kids' lives and introducing health conscious strategies.

Everything from obesity billboards, BMI scores on school report cards and school lunch food alterations have been taken into consideration, but some see a different side to the coin. Stop depriving and start giving -- is the answer as simple as allowing kids to try junk food and sweet treats so they don't lust after it later in life, in turn creating binge eaters and socially awkward youth?

Do you think its best to allow kids to indulge in unhealthy treats moderately or keep them far away to ensure a healthy diet?

We asked some of our readers, and here's what they had to say:

Stephanie H.
Every now and then we have junk food but I don't keep it in the house all the time. If we "ban" it we'll end up creating little food monsters. I can't control everything my kids put in their mouths. I do try to teach them moderation and healthy choices.

Karen G.
Absolutely! It is my job as a parent to teach my children moderation. To completely ban them from a certain category of food gives the wrong impression.

Emily F.
Because children are known for their ability to practice moderation? HA! give them a cheeto and they'll want the whole bag. Why give broccoli competition it can't win against? You only get one chance to grow a healthy human with good eating habits -- why screw it up?

Kathy F.
If I ban it completely the kids want it even more and go crazy at their friends. If I have it in the house occasionally my kids do alright. The main idea is to teach them good healthy habits and that moderation is the key. After all, when they are on their own, are they going to eat healthy or not?

Amy W.
Everything in moderation...adults need to live by the same thought process!

Pam S.
Moderation on all things. I don't keep much junk food in the house because I don't want to eat it. We do limit how much fast food the kids get too -- maybe once or twice a month.

Liliana M.
Everything in moderation, and that goes for adult and children. I don't ban it because it then makes it taboo and creates bigger temptation. I do not keep any at home but they do it some once in a while.