A South Australian study has found that some 9–10 year old children consume worryingly high levels of sugar, more than 10 times the amount recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), to be precise.
The most shocking findings by the University of Adelaide include:
- Boys and girls within the 9–10 age bracket consumed an average of 156g and 161g of sugar per day, respectively. The WHO recommends a figure closer to 12.6g.
- Close to half the children got their daily energy requirements from junk food.
- More than 90 per cent had fewer than the recommended daily serving of veggies.
- Almost 100 per cent ate less than the recommended daily servings of non-processed meat or protein alternatives such as eggs, nuts, beans and chickpeas.
The study’s author Dr Melissa Whitrow urged parents to “provide healthy alternatives in a lunch box and more vegetables at the dinner table”. But those with nagging children will know this can be easier said than done.
For those struggling to entice their young ones away from their favourite (unhealthy!) foods, the five suggestions below can help you get started.
- They want: Sugary breakfast cereals. Give them: Chocolate Coco-Nutty Granola.
Unlike Coco Pops, with nine teaspoons of sugar per serve, our crunchy chocolatey cereal is sugar-free. Made with coconut flakes, chia seeds and a handful of healthy nuts, it’s just like a chocolate milkshake, only crunchy AND healthy.
- They want: Frozen yoghurt. Give them: Coconut yoghurt and berries.
Low-fat frozen yoghurt might sound like a healthier option than ice cream but it can actually have similar amounts of sugar. A pot of coconut yoghurt blended with berries and mixed with a handful of nuts will provide the same sweet creaminess, delivered in a much more satiating protein-filled package.
- They want: Cookies and milk. Give them: Homemade hot chocolate.
Tim Tam Slams are practically a rite of passage for Aussie kids looking for an afternoon snack. For a similar flavour combo try warming up a cupful of full-fat milk with a little rice malt syrup and cacao powder. Rice malt syrup will look after their sweet tooth, while the fats will tide them over till dinner.
- They want: Takeaway pizza. Give them: Ham and Cheese Cauliflower pizza.
Sometimes it feels easier to give into their pleas for pizza than to pick a fight. But you can have the best of both worlds with this recipe for a homemade ham and cheese version. The base is made with cauliflower but it tastes so good they won’t even notice you’re sneaking in an extra serve of veggies.
Ham and Cheese Cauliflower Pizza
- They want: Sugary lollies. Give them: Speckled Sour Gummy Worms.
Here’s a chewy candy you can feel good about giving your kids. These gummies are made with the gut-loving benefits of gelatin and are as yummy as anything at the supermarket. We bet it’s the last time you’ll catch them trying to sneak Snakes into your trolley again!
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