Childhood Obesity and Your Shopping Basket!

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Scientists from MRC Human Nutrition Research have taken a closer look at the eating habits of children and have identified a shopping basket of foods that are linked to a four-fold increase in obesity risk.

Researchers were specifically looking at food consumption in children aged 5 and 7 years. By using statistical analysis, they were able to show the impact of dietary choices on the risk of becoming obese at 9 years of age.

So, what did they find?

As you would expect, a diet full of fruit and vegetables was associated with a significantly reduced risk of obesity later in life. This is actually the first study of its kind to show such a link in children.

Dr Susan Jebb said “The findings of this study highlight the importance of childhood dietary patterns as determinants of later obesity. There is a need to reinforce initiatives which develop positive dietary habits at a young age, especially the value of eating fruit and vegetables.”

Shopping baskets content

Your children are 4 times more likely to be obese if you shopping basket looks like this:

• White bread
• Crisps/chips
• Savoury snacks
• Chocolate
• Confectionery
• Biscuits
• Cakes
• Processed meats

However, your children are 4 times more likely to maintain a healthy weight if your shopping basket looks like this:

• Fresh fruit
• Fresh vegetables
• High fibre breakfast cereals
• High fibre bread
• Boiled/baked potatoes

It does seem pretty obvious, that if your kids are consistently eating junk food it isn’t good for them! However, the sad thing is that some parents just don’t realise how important good nutrition is.

There’s no doubt about it, putting healthier eating into practice can be huge challenge with children. Here are a few tips to help you out:

#1 Teach them exactly why healthy eating is important

So, rather than saying “Eat this, it’s good for you!” Explain why it’s good for them - for example if they want to be good at sport, strong and fit to avoid sickness, or to be the best at school, they need to eat well. You could even use a famous athlete as an example, they didn’t get to where they are by eating a poor diet, did they?

#2 Get your kids involved

Ask them to help you choose food at the supermarket, and also in preparation and cooking, if appropriate. Kids normally want to try out what they’ve helped prepare, so it’s a great way to encourage them to taste food for the first time.

#3 Persistence is essential

Research tells us that when children are continually offered new healthy foods they will eventually give it a go, and may even grow to like them. Check out 5 Ways to Help Kids Eat Veggies, for more tips.

#4 Be their role model

We all know that children pick up on everything! This means they will detect a bad attitude about health, exercise, and new foods. So, try to ensure that you and the other members of your family are positive at all times, displaying a keen and enthsiastic spirit, and always open to trying new foods yourself - your children will follow suit if you remain consistent.

#5 Avoid food rewards

Try not to make food a reward for good behaviour. Instead take your kids to the park, go on a bike ride together, hold a family games night, perhaps buy a new item of clothing or toy (if appropriate). Most importantly kids want their parents to notice they’ve done something well - show you appreciate them by demonstrating how proud you are of their good behaviour.

#6 Don’t ban particular foods

This doesn’t work with adults, and it certainly doesn’t work for kids! Normally banning food will create more of a desire for the forbidden treats, and in this age of food accessibility, forbidden foods can easily be purchased from school, or the local store. A few treats now and again won’t do any harm, but it doesn’t need to be a daily thing. Try to educate your children on alternative snacks, for example fruit, raw veggies, yoghurt, high fibre cereals.

Check out Healthy Snack Ideas, for more tips.

Previous articles along the same lines:

• Are You Fostering Healthy Eating Habits In Your Kids?
• Childhood Obesity: What Can Parents Do?
• Fitness Fun for the Whole Family

What are your tips for getting kids to eat healthy foods?