Half of parents in the UK have “given up” trying to get their children to eat their five a day, according to new research.
A study of 2,000 parents with children up to the age of 10 showed that 41 per cent had stopped trying to force kids to eat fruit and vegetables because they are more focused on getting them to eat full stop, The Independent reported.
Twenty-nine per cent said they had lost patience trying to get their children to eat healthily, while one in five said they had stopped trying because they were tired or in a rush.
Worryingly, five per cent also said they don’t think it’s important for their children to eat five pieces of fruit and veg a day.
Home appliance manufacturer Beko commissioned the research to celebrate the launch of its new 'Eat Like A Pro' campaign in partnership with FC Barcelona,which it sponsors.
The project aims to help parents encourage their children to eat more healthily and tackle childhood obesity.
In addition, three quarters of parents said they struggled to feed their children fresh produce, and 28 per cent of children said they avoid vegetables because they don’t like the way they taste.
Marketing director of Beko UK, Donald Shepherd, told The Independent: “Our research shows that the battle to achieve a balanced diet continues and it’s as challenging as ever for some mums and dads to get fruit and vegetables into their little ones.
“It’s been widely reported that in the UK, 25 per cent of two-10-year olds and one third of 10-15-year olds are overweight or obese.
“One of the challenges that has come out of this new research, is that 27 per cent of parents say that they need more exciting recipes that include fruit and vegetables, to help them achieve getting their kids to eat five-a-day.
“With that in mind, through Eat Like A Pro we’re working with FC Barcelona’s nutritionist to create over 100 recipes that are simple but nutritious for all the family to enjoy.”
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