Go SUGAR SMART this School Year

Go SUGAR SMART this School Year

Go SUGAR SMART this School Year (and beyond)

Sugary treats are everywhere we turn, so it’s no surprise that it’s hard to avoid consuming too much. Children are especially susceptible to temptation. While the occasional treat can be part of a healthy and enjoyable diet, overconsumption of the sweet stuff can lead to serious health consequences, including tooth decay, type 2 diabetes and problems stemming from being overweight.

The good news is that people are wising up on sugar, and there’s lots we all can do to improve our food environment – at home, at school, and beyond. The SUGAR SMART campaign, run by the food charity Sustain and the Jamie Oliver Food Foundation, is just about that – raising awareness and increasing healthier food access in our communities. Local campaigns in Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, Exeter and Bournemouth are under way. Could your area be next? Read on to be inspired, take action and join the SUGAR SMART movement.

Wise up on sugar

The daily maximum consumption of added sugar is 19g (5 cubes) for children aged 4-6, 24g (6 cubes) for those aged 7-10 and 30g (7 cubes) for everyone else. Yet many kids consume much more than this. Check out Change 4 Life for more info and tips, and get the Sugar Smart app too. www.nhs.uk/sugar-smart

Start at home

Speak with your family about sugar and decide on a challenge to do together. Start with a simple swap like a breakfast cereal with less sugar, water instead of fizzy drinks and sugary juice at mealtime, or sugar-free lunch boxes for a month. Once you master one swap, try out another.

Mind the labels

There is plenty of added sugar in everyday foods, and some may surprise you. Look out for traffic light labels on packaging, opting for “green” and avoiding “red” ones where you can. Many savoury foods such as ready meals and baked beans can be quite sweet, so seek out healthier options.

SUGAR SMART schools

1 in 3 children leave primary school overweight or obese. This is a troubling reminder that setting healthy habits at an early age is key. That’s why our campaign supports schools to run activities like SUGAR SMART assemblies and challenges, as well as working with catering teams to improve school dinner recipes. Can your school take part? They can sign up to take action at: www.sugarsmartuk.org/get_involved/#act

Community action

Other places such as cafes, leisure centres and tourism venues can take action and help your community reduce sugar overconsumption. There are lots of ways they can do their part – remove sugary foods from check outs, offer free drinking water or remove promotions of sugary foods. Use your customer power and ask local venues to join SUGAR SMART. Our website has lots of free resources and support to help businesses improve your food environment. We’re also looking for folks to help coordinate campaigns across their local area. If you’re interested, please find out more: www.sugarsmartuk.org/get_involved/#run

Operation Eagle Eye

New national rules have come in restricting junk food advertising in children’s media, including magazines, billboards near schools, social media and apps. Help Children’s Food Campaign keep a close eye on soft drink companies to make sure they comply. If you spot a junk food ad you think is appealing to children, take a screenshot/photo and send it to malcolm@sustainweb.org or tweet #operationeagleeye. Also, join the Parents’ Jury – a new high profile opportunity to have your say on the food & nutrition issues which matter to you and your family: www.parentsjury.net

Stay in touch!

Join the movement to reduce sugar over-consumption and its effects on ill health. Sign up to our SUGAR SMART monthly newsletter for news, inspiration and calls to action: https://www.sugarsmartuk.org/get_involved/#join

 

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