Save Our Children: Addressing the Alarming Trends in Kids’ Health

Children’s health in America is at a crossroads. In her recent episode “Save Our Children,” Valerie Sayre, registered dietitian and founder of Nutrition Connection Balance, confronts the sobering truth about a generation in crisis—and how families can take action to reverse the trends.

Alarming Statistics That Demand Attention

Drawing from current CDC data and her decades of clinical experience, Sayre outlines several startling facts:

• 1 in 5 American children are obese—not just overweight, but obese.
• Children’s obesity rates have doubled in the last 30 years.
• 1 in 36 American children have autism (up sharply from 1 in 150 in 2000).
• 27% of American kids have a chronic illness like asthma or arthritis.
• Half of all children fail to eat even one fruit or vegetable per day.
• 11.4% of all US babies are born preterm, largely due to maternal nutrient deficiencies.

For Sayre, these numbers aren’t meant to scare—they’re meant to inspire parents, teachers, and caregivers into action.

Why Are Our Children Unhealthy?

According to Sayre, the answer is clear: lifestyle and food quality.

“Food quality is decreasing,” she notes, adding that over 70%—and arguably up to 90%—of children’s diets are now made up of processed foods. Modern produce is less nutritious than in decades past, the result of depleted soils, contaminants, and transportation practices.

Parents often dismiss concerns with “I ate fries as a kid and I’m fine,” but Sayre points out that today’s processed foods are vastly different from their simpler, whole-food predecessors.

The Power of Whole Foods and Involvement

Sayre shares research revealing that up to 75% of chronic diseases are preventable with good nutrition and lifestyle. She recommends:

• Serving at least 7 to 13 raw servings of fruit and veggies per day.
• Involving children in every stage—growing, shopping, prepping foods.
• Leaving washed, ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables easily accessible.
• Prioritizing variety and organic options whenever possible.
• Educating children about food as “fuel,” empowering them to make choices for energy, strength, and resilience.

“Real Food” Over Supplements

Valerie highlights evidence that most multivitamins aren’t the answer—many contain the wrong nutrient forms, unnecessary fillers, or harmful colorants. Instead, nutrient-dense whole foods (and select food-based concentrates) best supply the antioxidants, phytonutrients, and fiber children need.

Key nutrients many children lack include vitamin D, essential fatty acids, and iron. Valerie encourages parents to check with care providers about testing and individualized support.

Why Involvement Matters

From including kids in food prep to growing gardens together, Sayre insists that making food “an adventure, not a punishment” helps foster positive lifelong habits. Her practical tips extend beyond nutrition, touching on the importance of emotional resilience, setting family examples, and staying informed through evidence-based resources.

Looking Forward

Sayre’s passionate plea is rooted in hope: “Children can’t advocate for themselves—it’s our job to be educated and give them the best start possible.”

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, coach, or grandparent, her episode is a call to action: Elevate children’s nutrition, minimize processed foods, and cultivate environments where healthy living is both normal and celebrated.

For more information, visit NutritionConnectionBalance.com