BACK-TO-SCHOOL LUNCHES RAISE CONCERNS
TWO SPREADS ON BREADS IS TOO MANY
Over 70% of mums use butter or margarine on their kids' lunches, with little understanding of the health implications, according to research by AvoFresh.
Theresearch,One Spread Too Many*investigated the ins and outs of kids' lunch boxes,and revealed that 72% of mums use spreads on their kids' lunches seven days a week and a shocking 89% use butter or margarine combined with another spread.
"There's no need for two spreads on bread and healthy sandwich fillings should be the focus. Children need nutritious fuel for growth, learning and energy to get them through the day. They should also limit their intake of saturated fat, like butter,that may increase the production of bad cholesterol,and the risk of heart health problems later in life," says dietitian Emma Stirling.
Stirling says if parents make smart switches they can reap big health benefits. 76% of mums thought the fat content in a tablespoon of butter was less than it is. "Two spreads is one too many. If parents stick to just one spread or better still, use a healthy alternative like AvoFresh, they can be sure their kids are eating better as well as receiving valuable nutrients."
"AvoFresh contains just 3g of saturated fat per 100g, compared to butter, which can be as high as 53g of saturated fat per 100g," she continues.Surprisingly, 21% of mums use sweet treats to bribe their kids to eat their healthy food first and 37% say plates and lunchboxes are always returned with something left uneaten.
"A few tricks like spreading AvoFresh on school sandwiches, or providing an avocado dip with celery, red capsicum and carrot sticks will help kids consume more vegetables in fun, interesting ways," says Stirling.
The Research also found that whilst one in two mums claim health is at top of mind when putting the kids' lunches together, the reality is that only one in five reported that their kids are getting their daily recommended serving of two fruit and five vegetables.
"Consider using AvoFresh on a wholemeal wrap, stuffed with lean meat, tuna or egg and salad, instead of a plain butter and vegemite sandwich to give the kids the energy they need to get through the school day," concludes Stirling.
Certified by the Heart Foundation, AvoFreshcontains two whole avocados, a squeeze of lemon juice, and no artificial colours or flavours.Avocados are rich in poly and monounsaturated fats(the good fats) and can be used as a regular spread replacement for butter or margarine.
The clear packaging of AvoFresh alsomeans you can see the quality and freshness for yourself -so no more surprises, like bruises, blemishes or browning. Available in firm, chunky and smooth textures, AvoFresh takes the unpredictability out of avocados with a product that is fresh and flavoursome every time and keeps in the fridge for up to five days after opening.
AvoFresh is available now in the fresh produce section of Woolworths and selected IGA supermarkets. The Original Range includes AvoFresh Firm Avocado, 160g (Packet), AvoFresh Chunky Avocado, 160g (Packet) and AvoFresh Smooth Avocado, 160g (Tube). Prices range from $4.48 to $4.49.
Key Results of One Spread Too Many:
· 72% of mums use spreads (butter/margarine/avocado/vegemite) on their kids' sandwiches every day of the week
· Butter and margarine is the most common spread for over 70% of mums
· 76% of mums thought the fat content in a tblsp of butter was less than it is
· 89% of mums use two spreads at the same time
· Surprisingly, 21% of mums use sweet treats to bribe their kids to eat their healthy food first and 37% say plates and lunchboxes are always returned with something left uneaten
· 53% of mums say health is the biggest consideration when packing the kids lunchboxes, yet a lack of time often means lunch is made from leftovers, for 27% of mums
· 43%of mums say taste is the most important consideration when it comes to choosing a spread
· 58% of mums and their kids admit they do not eatthe recommended five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit each day
* One Spread Too Many poll was conducted by AvoFresh via popular women's website femail.com.au in March 2012. There were 756 responses from mums with children aged 2 - 12 years old.