According to the World Health Organisation, it is estimated that 30 million overweight children live in developing countries compared to the 10 million in developed countries.
South Africa, classified as a developing country, has seen a rise in child obesity in pre-school children – one of the countries that has an increasing number of child obesity cases in the world.
The festive season is renowned for being a period of indulgence. As pupils go back to school it may pose as a bit of a challenge for parents on what nutritious meals they can pack for their children.
Nutritionist at Eagle Canyon Gym and Wellness Centre, Dr Jane Bentley in Honeydew said that there is a link between the kinds of food children eat and their weight. “If children eat food that lacks nutrition such as processed food and take-aways, it makes children hungry quicker,” said Bentley.
Dr Bentley advises parents to start off their children with a healthy breakfast such oats with fresh fruits or wholewheat bread with scrambled eggs. Discussing what the children want to have in their lunch boxes will encourage them to look forward to what they eat.
” Wholewheat bread added with protein such as chicken, cold meats and healthy left overs from last nights supper is a great addition in feeding children nutritious meals. Fruits are also a healthy source of sugar and fluids. I don’t recommend parents pack sweets in their lunch boxes,” Bentley added.
Dietician Olga Roussouw, who has a practice in Robindale, believes processed and fried food is a poor choice to give children as lunch. “Complex carbohydrates such as wholewheat bread along with proteins such as white cheese is a good balance of nutrition. Good fats such a avocados and nuts are also a healthy alternative to give children,” said Roussouw.
Both dieticians highly recommend that children drink lots of water or diluted juice and also keep active through school activities and sports.
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