Children are targeted by big food pushing packaged foods high in sugar
Children Are Targeted By Big Food Pushing Packaged Foods High in Sugar

A recent study focuses on the fact that packaged foods marketed to kids are significantly higher in sugar and lower in other nutrients than other products. This is alarming because it shows how the food industry is exploiting children’s vulnerability and preferences for sweet and salty foods, and potentially contributing to their addiction to these foods.

The study, Child-appealing packaged food and beverage products in Canada–Prevalence, power, and nutritional quality, published in the journal Nutrients, analyzed over 3,000 packaged foods sold in Canada and found that those marketed to children had 36% more sugar, 10% more sodium, 8% less protein, and 9% less fiber than those marketed to adults or not marketed by age group. The researchers also found that foods marketed to children were more likely to have cartoon characters, bright colors, and claims like “fun” or “made for kids” on their packaging.

These findings are concerning because they suggest that children are being exposed to unhealthy foods that can trigger their reward system and make them crave more of these foods. This can lead to overeating, obesity, diabetes, and other health problems later in life. It can also make it harder for them to develop a healthy relationship with food and their bodies.

So what can we do as parents, caregivers, educators, and advocates to protect our children from these harmful foods?

Here are some suggestions:

        • Educate ourselves and our children about the dangers of food addiction and how to recognize the signs and symptoms.
        • Avoid buying packaged foods that are marketed to children and opt for fresh, whole foods instead.
        • Read the nutrition labels and ingredient lists of packaged foods and look for added sugars, sodium, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
        • Limit the exposure of children to food advertisements on TV, social media, and other platforms.
        • Support policies and initiatives that regulate the marketing of unhealthy foods to children and promote healthy eating environments in schools and communities.

By taking these steps, we can help our children develop a healthy and balanced diet that nourishes their bodies and minds, rather than leads to a progressive food addiction. We can also prevent them from becoming addicted to foods that harm their future well being.

Download the recent article by Christopher Curly for Medical News Today, May 3, 2023

Must-Listen! Dr. Bonnie Nolan Unveils the Science of Addiction

Dear INFACT Community,

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of addiction and recovery? Episode 32 of the Food Addiction Podcast is here, and it’s a game-changer!

We’re thrilled to feature Dr. Bonnie Nolan—a neuroscientist, Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and a powerful voice in the food addiction space. With a PhD in neuroscience and years of hands-on experience, Dr. Nolan brings unparalleled insight into the brain’s dopamine response and its role in addiction.

But here’s what makes this episode truly extraordinary:

  • Dr. Nolan’s personal recovery journey from alcohol and food addiction.
  • Eye-opening connections between childhood trauma, ACEs, and addictive behaviors.
  • Why ultra-processed foods must be recognized as addictive substances in the DSM-V.
  • The remarkable ability of the brain to heal through recovery practices.

Dr. Nolan’s passion and expertise light up this episode, offering inspiration, hope, and practical guidance for anyone affected by addiction. Whether you’re in recovery, a healthcare professional, or simply curious, this episode will leave you feeling empowered and enlightened.

Warm regards,
Esther Helga GuĂ°mundsdĂłttir
Founder, INFACT School

Tune in now!

The International School for Food Addiction Counseling and Treatment (INFACT) is thrilled to announce new training modalities for 2025! We’re expanding our certification opportunities to offer greater flexibility and accessibility:

đź“… Two Certification Periods:

  • March 2025 Start Date
  • September 2025 Start Date

🌟 What’s New for 2025:

  • On-Demand Online Program with examinations available twice a year!
  • Treatment & Recovery Practicum Course offered two times a year.
  • Stay tuned for exact dates—we can’t wait to share more details soon!

đź“– Program Highlights:

  • 170 hours of engaging and informative virtual teaching sessions.
  • Access to our exclusive student platform packed with valuable resources and support.
  • Comprehensive lectures, teaching manual, and course materials.
  • Receive the prestigious Certified Food Addiction Professional (CFAP) credential, recognized by the European Certification Board.

Let’s make a difference together. Stay tuned for more updates! 🎓

Sign up today!

We’re thrilled to announce the Monthly Guest Lecturer Series, featuring the biggest names and brightest minds in food addiction research and treatment! This is your chance to learn directly from the pioneers shaping the field, including:

  • Dr. Vera Tarman, MD – Renowned addiction expert and author of Food Junkies: Recovery from Food Addiction.
  • Nicole M. Avena, PhD – Leading neuroscientist and author of Why Diets Fail, specializing in the science of food addiction.
  • Susan Peirce Thompson, PhD – New York Times bestselling author and founder of Bright Line Eating.
  • Robert H. Lustig, M.D. – World-famous endocrinologist and author of Fat Chance, known for his expertise in sugar addiction and metabolic health.

…and many other trailblazing thought leaders!

💡 Want to learn from the best? These lectures are open to everyone—no CFAP certification required!

🎓 Pricing Options:

  • $40 per individual lecture
  • $325 for a 10-lecture bundle (save $75!)

This is an incredible opportunity to hear directly from the experts driving change in how we understand and treat food addiction. Whether you're a professional or simply passionate about the topic, these lectures will empower and inspire you.

Message us to learn more!
đź“š Must-Read Recommendation for the INFACT Community!

We are honored to present H. Theresa Wright's newest book, The Sane Food Solution: Transform Your Relationship with Food and Change Your Life. This is an essential read for anyone affected by food addiction and a valuable resource for all INFACT students.

If you’ve ever struggled with your relationship with food or felt trapped in cycles of compulsive and addictive eating, this book is here to guide you toward a path of peace, freedom, and joy.

Written by a pioneer in the field of disordered eating, The Sane Food Solution offers a compassionate and effective approach that has transformed thousands of lives. Inside, you’ll find:

  • Insightful Strategies to navigate emotional and psychological eating triggers.
  • Nutritional Expertise tailored to support lasting health and well-being.
  • Holistic Approaches to address the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of food-related issues.
  • Practical Tools like written exercises and a structured recovery program to empower sustainable change.

Whether you’re seeking personal recovery or expanding your professional knowledge, this book is a powerful tool for anyone ready to transform their relationship with food.

Don’t miss out—this is a must-read for our INFACT community!

➡️ Available now on Amazon.

Are you interested in discovering if you are a food addict?

The INFACT School now offers you access to a free diagnostic tool called the Yale Scale. If you’re curious to find out whether you might have a food addiction or just keen to see the self-report measure in action, you can complete the questionnaire below.

Once you complete the questionnaire, we will be in touch with the next steps to help you in your recovery process.

Complete questionnaire
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