What we’re filling up our kids with

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Marli Burgess, left, and Kyanne Dickenson, both 4, love to eat salad. Picture: Luke Marsd

Marli Burgess, left, and Kyanne Dickenson, both 4, love to eat salad. Picture: Luke Marsden. Source: News Corp Australia

QUEENSLAND children are missing out on vital nutrition.

New research shows just over half eat salad, while those in poorer households fill up on chips and noodles.

The Roy Morgan research shows that, as household wealth declines, so does the consumption of rice and green vegetables.

In the 12 months to December, 62 per cent of children aged 6-13 years ate rice in an average week and 55 per cent had salad, while less than half ate hot chips, fries or wedges (46 per cent) or noodles (39 per cent) and about one in four had chicken nuggets.

 

But for poorer families, 66 per cent of children were fed a diet of hot chips, 55 per cent noodles and 41 per cent chicken nuggets.

Dietitians Association of Australia spokeswoman Kate DiPrima said: “The problem with buying a big packet of frozen nuggets is that they are incredibly high in salt and the kids’ palate becomes used to that level of salt, so food like salad and vegetables seem tasteless in comparison.

“There is no need to shy away from fruit and vegetables.

 

Are an overweight adults mom and dad to blame for his health problems? An anti-obesity video from Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta points the finger at the parents for teaching their kids bad habits. Courtesy PSA.

  • “If you buy in season many are very affordable, or simply add some frozen corn and peas to rice.”

Roy Morgan Research chief executive Michele Levine said parents were more mindful of their own diet than what they fed their children.

Charlie (15 months) and Heidi (3) Nugter enjoy eating the occasional two-minute noodle di

Charlie (15 months) and Heidi (3) Nugter enjoy eating the occasional two-minute noodle dish but some children are eating far too much of them. Picture: Jono Searle

Gold Coast working mum-of-four Kim Dickenson said her four-year-old daughter Kyanne’s favourite food was asparagus.

“It takes a bit of planning but I cook every night and make sure that salad is included regularly in meals,” she said.

“My kids all love greens and if I buy in season they are not expensive.”

Originally published as What we’re filling up our kids with