Earlier this year, A cookbook for taste explorers Launched in collaboration with registered dietitian Monique Piderit, the site features over 25 nutritious recipes to help parents prepare healthy and delicious school lunches and dinners for their children.
Source: Provided.
Building on this success and driven by shocking statistics about child obesity in South Africa, B-well Foods is re-emphasising the importance of teaching children about nutrition. We encourage families to make everyday cooking a fun and engaging activity and turn meal preparation into a quality time experience rather than a chore.
The childhood obesity crisis
Childhood obesity is a major problem in South Africa, according to the South African National Health and Nutrition Survey. Around 13.5% of children aged 6-14 are classified as overweight or obese, which equates to more than one in 10 children.
This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for immediate intervention to address the nutritional habits of young people.
“These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need to address the nutritional habits of young people. Immediate intervention is essential to address this growing concern and promote healthier lifestyles among children,” said Piderit.
Causes of childhood obesity
There are several factors contributing to the rising rates of obesity among South African children.
- Unhealthy Eating Habits: High intake of sugary drinks, fast food and snacks high in fat and sugar are major contributing factors, and many children do not eat enough fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Lack of physical activity: Increased screen time and fewer physical education classes in schools have led to more sedentary lifestyles, exacerbating the problem.
- Socio-economic factors: In certain areas, limited access to affordable, healthy foods forces families to turn to cheaper processed foods.
- Parental Influence: Children often imitate the eating habits of their parents, and if parents aren’t educated about nutrition, it can be difficult to impart healthy habits to their children.
Teach them the importance of nutrition
Pideritto emphasizes the value of cooking classes in teaching children about nutrition: “Teaching children about nutrition through cooking classes not only helps prevent childhood obesity, but also lays the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits. Taste Explorer This campaign and B-well’s current focus on making everyday cooking fun and inviting is an essential step in this effort.”
Involving your kids in meal preparation has enormous benefits for their health: studies show that kids who cook are more likely to make healthier food choices.
According to a study published in Journal of Nutrition Education and ActionThese children are more likely to try new foods and consume more fruits and vegetables.
To offer you more practical insight, here are some expert tips to help ensure your kids have nutritious school lunches, snacks and dinners.
The rising rates of childhood obesity in South Africa highlight the need to educate parents to make healthier choices and feed their children healthier foods.
“At B-well Foods, we believe in instilling healthy eating habits starting at an early age. Our products are rich in omega-3 and made from 100% non-GMO canola oil, providing a nutritious foundation for a variety of recipes,” Piderit said.
“Their canola oil is approved by the South African Heart and Stroke Foundation and carries the Cansa Smart Choice seal, ensuring that their products not only provide health benefits but also ensure the meals prepared are tasty and appealing to children.”
“By teaching kids about nutrition and getting them involved in cooking, we can combat this issue and raise a healthier, more informed generation.”
