Food shopping is not child's play for parents

Kids main obstacles to families eating healthier

- BY NICOLA DONNELLY

A NEW study has found that 91% of parents say their kids influence the weekly food shop and meal choices - with more than a third admitting that influence is significant.

The research, by SuperValu, highlights the obstacles facing families trying to lead healthier lifestyles while watching the budget.

According to the findings, 43% of parents cite their children’s food preferences as a barrier to healthier eating, while 55% say they feel overwhelmed by conflicting nutritional advice.

One in three (34%) admit they struggle to improve eating habits at home, and four in 10 do not see healthy eating as a top personal priority.

Meanwhile, just a third of respondents believe they are managing to meet the recommended weekly exercise levels.