What Did You Eat Last?

Wednesday 16 January 08

The diet of young people has become a source of much talk and worry. It has been blamed not just for obesity, the sugar, salt and fat young people pack away has been cited as the cause of a whole host of ills from lack of concentration in the classroom to violence on the streets.

It is starting to get accepted that the diet of a child growing up in the 1950s was probably superior to that of his modern counterpart. Despite the post-war shortages they ate more bread and milk, seeing to their fibre and calcium needs, and took in far less
refined sugar in the form of soft drinks and sweets.

The most recent survey of the nation's nutrition suggests such sugars constitute 16% of an average's youngsters diet, significantly more than desirable. Children 60 years ago probably ate in excess of today's recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables - less than half of children now meet the much touted five portion rule.

The 1950s generation also ate more red meat, which is an important source of iron. Many UK children do not currently meet the recommended daily amount of the mineral, which is essential for growth and development.

While Red meat, cheese and full-fat milk are seen as no-go areas for grown-ups watching their weight, but, as part of a diet also rich in fruit and vegetables, they should feature in what a child consumes, nutritionists say. Dairy products are rich in calcium, needed for growth and maintenance of bones and teeth.

Exercise

The 1950s child also took more exercise, and the balance between food and energy expenditure is a key one according to BBC.

Because however much a child runs around, if he is stoked up solely on crisps and chocolate his long-term health outlook is unlikely to be rosy. His teeth may not be much
to look at either.

Changes

Industry says it is making changes: the fat content of children's favourites like crisps has been reduced, while king size chocolate bars have gone. But there are some parents whowant more government legislation to help them say no to "pester power" in the supermarkets, where chocolate and sweets, they complain, are so often placed right at their offspring's eye-level.

The British Heart Foundation is for instance demanding a full ban on marketing what they describe as "junk food" to children, and wants food companies to stop putting games and competitions on labels and websites.

What do you think about your diet; do you reckon it is a healthy and well-balanced diet where you eat plenty of vegetables, dairy product and fruits? Is young people's diets as bad as people think? Have your say in our Forum!