Research conducted by Kellogg's has found that a quarter of Irish children believe food like cheeseburgers gives them energy and makes them better at sport, while one in ten children admitted that eating healthy food and being active are only important because “my Mam or teacher tell me to”.
Kellogg’s also found that children struggle to understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy food. One in five children labelled dried fruit and nuts as unhealthy while some also believe apples (12.1%) and tuna salad (8.6%) are unhealthy choices too.
Over one in five (21.1%) labelled chicken nuggets as healthy, with lollipops (13.4%), fast food and takeaways (12.2%), chips (10.5%), cheeseburgers (9.6%) and pizza (8.7%) also featuring on the ‘healthy and nutritious’ list.
Almost half of the children surveyed (47.2%) cannot name any vitamins or minerals and do not know what they are.
The research coincides with the launch of ‘Kellogg’s Powering Play,’ a game-based nutritional workshop, developed with the GAA. The pilot module will be held in 14 Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps this summer and is designed to encourage children to think about powering their play through nutrition.
Commenting on the launch, Laura Street, Kellogg’s nutritionist said; “The ‘Kellogg’s Powering Play’ module will teach children that a healthy balanced breakfast and diet can kick-start their day and fuel their morning, helping them to concentrate, and giving them the energy to play all the Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camp games.”
Páraic Duffy, GAA Director General, added; “Our partnership with Kellogg’s, through our hugely successful Cúl Camps, has been mutually beneficial for both organisations and has helped our numbers to continue to grow.
“‘Kellogg’s Powering Play’ is an excellent initiative that places a further emphasis on educating young people about the benefits of healthy eating and leading an active lifestyle. I wish everyone associated with it every success with its roll out,” he added.
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Jenny Whelan.
