Scots children '˜do not want to eat healthy foods'

Research reveals almost a third of parents surveyed have at some point given up trying to feed their children vegetables

And almost a third of Scots parents have given up on trying to feed their youngsters healthier foods at some point, it has emerged.

It has prompted a national healthy eating campaign, Eat Better Feel Better, aimed at helping parents with recipes and ideas to make this happen.

The campaign website has more than 180 recipes for families looking to make healthy changes, including a variety of vegetable-based meals to help children reach their five-a-day target and many which can feed a family of four for less than a fiver.

Research recently found 29 per cent of parents have given up trying to feed their children vegetables at some point, with cauliflower and broccoli the least favourite. Public health minister Aileen Campbell said: “The message we want to get across today is that by making small changes to how you shop, cook and eat, you and your family can eat better and ultimately feel better.

“We understand from listening to parents that getting children to eat vegetables can be challenging, but Eat Better Feel Better is focused on providing simple, quick and cheap ways to make meal-times healthier and less stressful.

“Diet plays such an important part in ensuring the health and wellbeing of children, which is why it’s vital we continue to give parents the support and advice to make healthier choices.”

Danielle Molloy, a mother of three from Ruchill, has been using Axis health hubs –part of North Glasgow Healthy Living Community – since September.

She said: “I’ve gone through countless tantrums at the dinner table, from refusing to eat their dinner because one type of food touched the other to not liking the colour of carrots.

“I heard about Eat Better Feel Better through coming to Axis health hubs.

“They told me to go on their website, which has a fussy eaters and handy hints sections with loads of ideas.”

YouGov questioned 1,002 adults, of which 203 were parents with children aged from six months to 18 years, between 29 November and  2 December.