Survey reveals concern about childrens’ diets
World Obesity Day was on Friday 4 March and new research found that nearly one in 10 children are eating fast-food takeaways more than once a week. During Covid-19, 45% of parents surveyed said that they consumed more fast-food takeaways as a family.
The research commissioned by Laya Super Troopers, Ireland’s largest health homework programme, which is endorsed by Healthy Ireland also found that high-fat salt and sugar foods were also being consumed regularly by Irish children with 63% of children eating chocolate more than once per week and just under half of children (48%) eating crisps more than once per week.
Over half of parents surveyed believe their child is not educated enough on nutrition and 32% said they would like to teach their children to cook but don't know where to start. Four in five children aged 9 to 12 (80%) can make a sandwich, but only one in three children aged 9 to 12 (33%) can cook an egg.
The national research was carried out as part of Laya Super Troopers TV, a free 28 part TV series, which aims to provide families and children with fun activities and advice on how to promote a healthier lifestyle for all the family.
Within Laya Super Troopers TV, parents can find healthy recipes and nutrition tips to help support them in creating healthier nutrition habits for their kids and all the family.
Didi de Zwarte, registered dietitian for Laya Super Troopers TV said: “Many of us find it difficult to pick nutritious foods every day, especially when we live such busy lives and we are looking for more convenient options. Less healthy options are found all around us, and often they can be an easier option – especially when we know the kids like them.
“Healthy habits are formed when children are young, and this also applies to our food choices. Healthy food needs to be introduced in a way that appeals to children and that can be easily integrated into the family routine.
“The laya research highlights that almost nine in 10 (89%) parents of children in this age group agreed that teaching your children to cook is a great way to bond with them. Unfortunately, this same percentage also shows that children are drinking sugar-sweetened drinks such as fizzy drinks, fruit juices and flavoured waters weekly or more than once a week, and nearly half of these children are drinking them daily!”
According to Sinéad Proos, Head of Health and Wellbeing, laya healthcare, the research results show how parents and families are in need of support to promote and maintain a healthy family lifestyle.
“We are now post-pandemic and it is an opportune time for parents to take stock of their family’s diet and nutrition habits and see where simple changes can be made. Our research findings highlight the opportunity to start teaching our children during their early formative years about the importance of good nutrition choices, habits they can then carry into their adult years.”
Families across the country can get involved and find healthy recipes by going to layasupertroopers.ie, where they can also access the free Laya Super Troopers TV series.