Junk Food Wars

Correlated to National Health Education Standards, Junk Food Wars serves up solid information aimed at teens on the subject of nutrition, designed to help them distinguish good food choices from bad. Young host Adam Gearhart starts off by covering the risks associated with poor diet (such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease), and looks at the benefits of healthy eating (including better body performance and the intake of disease-preventative nutrients). Also detailing the updated 2005 food pyramid's guidelines for variety, balance, and moderation of carbs, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, the focus of the program is on junk foods (often processed, and mainly consisting of empty calories). Following nutrition-conscious teen “Travis” and his friends, the program looks at the common venues for junk food—fast food restaurants, convenience stores, vending machines—as well as deceptive marketing tactics by manufacturers, and the ins and outs of reading nutritional labels (i.e., “-ose” means there's some form of sugar added). In addition, “Quick Fix List” segments feature tips for improving eating habits (ordering salad instead of fries, making lists of healthy snacks, etc.). Focused, realistic, and informative, this is highly recommended. Aud: J, H. (J. Williams-Wood)