A new survey by the British Heart Foundation shows that UK kids are turning their backs on fruit and veg in favour of snacks loaded with fat, salt and sugar.
The charity says that nearly one in three UK kids (29%) is indulging by eating sweets, chocolate and crisps three or more times a day. And almost half of kids surveyed (40%) also admit they normally drink fizzy or energy drinks during the day.
In contrast, almost nine in 10 kids surveyed (88%) were not eating the recommended five portions of fruit and veg each day. In fact, children were more likely to have crisps at lunch (34%) than fruit (31%).
The survey of 2,000 11- to 16-year-olds helps give a unique snapshot of their daily diet. Based on the results, the charity calculates a child’s typical daily diet includes one packet of crisps, one chocolate bar, one bag of chewy jelly sweets, one fizzy drink and one energy drink.
That means kids are consuming almost 30 teaspoons of sugar (118g), more fat than a cheeseburger, and over a third of their daily calorie intake from snacks alone.
BHF dietitian, Victoria Taylor, said: “Five-a-day seems to have a whole new meaning for some young people. They are consuming an alarming amount of fizzy drinks, sweets, chocolate and crisps as a regular part of their daily diet
“We’ve all got to realise that this generation’s food choices today could have long term consequences on their future health.”
What we say:
School Food Trust nutritionist, Jo Nicolas, says: “This is another reminder of why the National School Food Standards and our forthcoming national, voluntary guidelines on healthy food and drink in early years settings have never been so important. Schools using the standards don’t offer crisps, chocolate or sweets to children, and have well-balanced lunch menus where the average meal gives children the energy and essential nutrients they need. their menus encourage children to try different foods rather than having the same thing every single day – another important part of a good diet for children.
“But packed lunches are also part of this picture – and all the evidence still shows that the average lunchbox is still far less healthy than a typical school meal. Research suggests that only 1% of packed lunches would meet the same standards as school meals. Our own national study found that primary school children having packed lunches eat less fruit and veg and often have foods in their lunchboxes which can’t be served on school menus any more, like crisps and chocolate bars.
“Ask your child’s school about how they support healthy eating – it’s every school’s responsibility to be able to show how they meet the National School Food Standards.”
Chairman, Rob Rees, said: “There are simple things which can make a huge difference. We have to start early – support nurseries, children’s centres and other providers of childcare to offer balanced menus, encouraging children to try lots of different foods and to eat together. We have to help families with young children to develop the skills they need to cook healthy meals, from scratch, at home.
“We also need to encourage more children to choose healthy school meals – which on average are much healthier than a typical packed lunch – and keep up the great work in schools to make nutritious menus tasty, varied and fun.
“Finally, we have to make sure that all children have the chance to learn to cook. We know from our work in thousands of schools all over the country that cooking skills improve diets. It’s a life skill which will help children to grow into healthier adults.”
To launch the Food4Thought campaign, the British Heart Foundation is working with 30 schools across the UK to set up healthy vending machines. The pilot project aims to encourage school pupils to eat healthier snacks and meals during the school day.
