New research has found Scots families struggle to eat healthily

One in ten Scottish parents admit to only cooking from scratch and sitting down as a family once or twice a month.
32 per cent of Scots parents say their family/children are reluctant to eat healthy foods, according to new research.32 per cent of Scots parents say their family/children are reluctant to eat healthy foods, according to new research.
32 per cent of Scots parents say their family/children are reluctant to eat healthy foods, according to new research.

This is according to new research collated by Wren Kitchens, one of the largest supplier of kitchens to the UK retail market.

The survey, carried out by OnePoll on behalf of Wren Kitchens, found that 66 per cent of Scottish parents admit their family could be eating better with 44 per cent acknowledging it is a daily struggle to get their families eating healthy and nutritious meals.

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According to the new data, the top five factors prohibiting a healthier family lifestyle in Scotland are:

1. 39 per cent of parents state they simply don’t have time to cook healthy, nutritious meals every day; 2. 32 per cent say their family/children are reluctant to eat healthy foods; 3. 27 per cent of parents think it’s just easier to make unhealthy meals; 4. 25 per cent of parents say they simply can’t afford healthy/ nutritious meals every day; 5. 19 per cent of parents think unhealthier food is cheaper.

Surprisingly 34 per cent of Scottish parents say they feel ashamed that their children don’t eat as well

as they could/should, however 42 per cent of them said that they have tried everything they can think of to

encourage healthy eating.

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However with that being said, a massive 41 per cent of parents have revealed they cook separate meals for themselves and their children, and nearly half say they don’t bother meal planning or budgeting the food shop.

The study also discovers that in Scotland, the youngest child is the most likely to demonstrate difficult eating habits (33 per cent), with parents believing this is mainly down to too much choice (30 per cent) and

plain stubbornness (27 per cent).

Interestingly, nearly three in four (73 per cent) Scottish parents admit that as a child, they were instructed to eat what they were given to eat, but shockingly, not even half (41 per cent) instil this on their own children.

It found only 12 per cent of Scottish parents ensure all items on their children’s plate are eaten before leaving the table.

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The research, which forms part of the Wren Kitchens’ Little Kitchen campaign, explores family involvement and activities within the kitchen and whether this can encourage a healthier lifestyle.

Linda Barker, creative director of Wren Kitchens said: “The study offers a real insight into busy modern families and the struggles we encounter in a bid to get our families to eat as well as we can.

“The data indicates some key influencers within these struggles, and our Little Kitchen campaign aims to explore ways of tackling and assisting with these – with advice and insight from real parents.”

For more information: Wren Kitchens