Gone are the days when kids had a jam sandwich and a carton of milk for lunch. Today there is a plethora of lunch options out there. It seems like kids are eating better than ever before, but are they? New research from Celtic Pure Irish Spring Water has found that a staggering number of parents are unaware of how much sugar their children are consuming each day.
The study found that 40 percent of parents in Ireland are in the dark about how much hidden sugar is in their children's’ lunch.
Despite this figure, over half of parents admitted they actively avoid purchasing products that contain artificial sweeteners.
Nutritionist Elsa Jones urged parents to be vigilant around the hidden sugars in lunch boxes as schools re-open.
She explained: “Check food and drink labels for sugar content to make healthier choices, keeping in mind one teaspoon of sugar weighs four grams.”
Elsa advised opting for sugar free products: “Try to limit artificial sweeteners as they aren’t a good alternative to sugar.”
She stressed that parents need to know more about the difference between a fruit sugar and added sugars. A concerning 30 percent of parents admitted they had very little knowledge about the two.
It is best to swap fizzy drinks for water. Elsa explained how important it is for youths to stay hydrated: “By the time you feel thirsty your body is already dehydrated. Children often need to be reminded and encouraged to drink water to stay hydrated.”
“Encourage your child to drink at least 500ml of water throughout the school day, more if they are playing sport. Water with a hint of fruit can really enhance the taste of plain water and make it more appealing for children. Celtic Pure Irish Spring Water's new Hint of Fruit range is a great alternative here,” Elsa recommended.
We know kids can be fussy eaters at the best of times, but there are dozens of healthy lunch options out there like a chicken sandwich, but make sure to use whole grain bread for that extra fibre.
Forget about the chocolate bars and opt for an apple or some grapes. We know changing your child’s diet can be tricky, but it is most certainly worth the sulking.
Elsa’s top tips for parents:
1: Check food and drink labels for sugar content to make healthier choices.
2: Remember one teaspoon of sugar weighs four grams. Choose low natural sugars where possible.
3: Plan ahead. Remember time is of the essence on school mornings so decide breakfast and lunch choices, set the table accordingly and partly pack lunch boxes the evening before.
4: Set your child a challenge of consuming five different coloured fruit & veg a day - five a day the rainbow way!
5: Help Them Stay Hydrated. Encourage your child to drink at least 500ml of water each day. Natural Fruit flavoured water can be more appealing for children.
The Celtic Pure Irish Spring Water kids range comes in three natural fruit flavours; Apple & Blackcurrant; Strawberry & Watermelon; Lemon & Lime and specifically developed and tested to keep kids and parents happy. Sold in convenient 10 packs, the 250ml bottles with resealable sports caps are perfect for lunch-boxes or to have as a refreshing sugar free treat.
Celtic Pure Irish Spring Water is available to purchase nationwide and is a proud supporter of Irish Sport as the Official Hydration Partner to the FAI, the Monaghan GAA team and now the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon Series.
