I was reading an article on how obesity is an epidemic amongst children and teens worldwide because they are unaware of the effects of poor diet.

Whether it’s in North America or in Europe, most experts believe that the misconception of what we eat will not affect our future health is the reason why our children “can’t see beyond the burger box”.

The Herald has recently reported that “most children in Scotland appear oblivious to the impact obesity could have on their lives, with 57% predicting they will live to be over 80 and more than one in 10 believing they will reach 100″, when the real truth is – obesity can contribute to health problems and a shorter lifespan.

Kids and teens, pour yourselves a tall one. Chocolate, vanilla or strawberry milk, that is. New research shows that drinking flavored milk increases overall milk intake and improves nutrition without adding extra weight.

A study of nearly 8,000 children and adolescents published in this month’s Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that those who included flavored milk in their beverage selection actually drank more milk overall — both flavored and plain — when compared to peers who only drank plain milk. Because milk is a good source of calcium and potassium, two “nutrients of concern” lacking in the diets of most Americans, drinking more milk leads to better nutrition.