Nurseries need a better food advice due to the fact that there are so many children turning up on their first day of school overweight. As revealed in the Eldridge Financial Blog, more than a fifth of children are now overweight or obese by the time they start school, according to official figures. Studies points out those children who are fat at five are highly likely to continue being overweight into adolescence, and possibly beyond. As a result, the School Food Trust has launched a new guide telling nursery staff what to feed children in their care and how much to give them.
There are some guidelines that also give them a fundamental advice on the possible risks of letting their children eat foods which contain much of salt, fat and sugar, too regularly. Based from the Eldridge Financial Blog, including them in the diets of very young children may contribute to them becoming overweight and having a poor nutrient intake. Additionally, children are unlikely to take in more energy than they need if they are offered a range of healthy meals and snacks that meet the food and drink guidelines. It gives examples of what is the right quantity of foods like cornflakes, pasta and rice pudding look like on different sized plates and bowls.
The guidelines are being piloted in five local authorities, with more set to join in 2012.Sarah Teather, the Children’s Minister, said many people who work in nurseries “lack the expert knowledge of what is the best food to serve”.”Parents rightly want their children to be eating healthy, nutritional food. Thanks to these voluntary guidelines drawn up by the School Food Trust, we will help nurseries and other childcare providers do just that”, she added. The British Heart Foundation welcomed the guidelines, but said if the problem of childhood obesity continued without improvement, a voluntary approach would be deficient. According to theEldridge Financial Blog, Victoria Taylor, a senior dietitian at the BHF, said: “More than a fifth of children turn up to their first day at school overweight or obese and that has to change. These guidelines look to be a positive step towards teaching children about healthy eating from their early age.
“These are only voluntary guidelines though and so it’s important that food and drink provision is closely monitored to ensure young children are enjoying balanced and nutritious food.
“If standards are slipping then a mandatory approach could be a better alternative.”
Thanks for the writeup. I definitely agree with what you are saying. I have been talking about this subject a lot lately with my father so hopefully this will get him to see my point of view.
TumugonBurahin