Why Aussie Kids Need to Keep Moving
(And Why Low GI Snacks are a Total Game-Changer)
When you think of Australian kids, you probably picture them running barefoot on the beach, kicking a footy in the backyard, or conquering a jungle gym. But here’s the reality check: despite our sun-soaked, outdoor-loving culture, 1 in 4 Aussie kids are overweight or obese1. Yep, 25%. And it’s not just about too many treats (though that’s a part of it).
This trend is driven by a mix of modern habits:
- Energy-dense, low-nutrient foods and sugary drinks sneaking into daily diets1.
- Too little physical activity, with 3 in 4 children aged 5–12 NOT moving enough1 to meet recommended guidelines.
- Sedentary lifestyles taking over, thanks to couch-bound hobbies1.
- And, of course, the big one: screen time. Long hours spent glued to TVs, tablets, and gaming consoles aren’t doing their health any favours1.
But fear not - this isn’t a doom-and-gloom story. There’s a fun, nutritious way to help our kids thrive: combining more movement with smarter snacking.
Shape The Snack Attack Problem
Here’s the thing: snacking isn’t inherently bad. It’s what kids snack on that’s the issue. Let’s break it down:
- Aussie kids snack 6–7 times a day2. That’s a lot of munching!
- 27% of their daily calories come from nutritionally poor snacks (hello, chips and crackers)2.
- And here’s the kicker: Australia is ranked #1 for calories from added sugars2. Gold medals are great, but maybe not this one.
These frequent, sugary snacks lead to energy spikes (and crashes), less appetite for nutrient-rich meals, and long-term health impacts. So, what’s the solution?
The Move More Mission
Pairing smarter snacking with more physical activity is the golden combo. Why? Because exercise isn’t just about fitness - it’s about setting kids up for success in every area of their lives:
- Physical health: Moving builds strength, coordination, and confidence.
- Mental health: Exercise reduces stress and improves mood. (Even for the grumpiest mini-humans!)
- Social skills: Team sports and active play teach valuable life lessons like teamwork, patience, and resilience.
Right now, only 1 in 4 primary-aged kids are meeting activity guidelines. That means 75% are missing out on all these incredible benefits!
Enter the Low GI Heroes
You’ve got your kids running around. Fantastic! But wait, what’s fuelling their tank? Not all snacks are created equal, and that’s where the magic of low GI (glycaemic index) ingredients comes in.
Low GI foods release energy sloooowly, like a trusty turtle, not a speedy hare. This means your little dynamo doesn’t crash mid-math class because their sugary cereal wore off faster than you can say Tim Tam.
Why Low GI Is a Big Deal for Little People:
- Long-Lasting Energy: Low GI foods keep energy levels steady. No wild sugar highs, no grumpy sugar crashes—just consistent fuel for their big imaginations.
- Better Focus: Steady energy = better concentration. Who knew oats could help with spelling tests?
- Happy Tummies: Low GI foods keep kids full for longer, so they’re not raiding the pantry 10 minutes after breakfast.
- Healthy Habits: Starting kids on low GI foods teaches them the value of balanced nutrition. Future you (and their future doctor) will thank you.
What Does a Low GI Snack Look Like?
Forget boring diets—low GI can be delicious! Think:
- Fruits like apples, pears, and oranges. Nature’s candy, but without the drama.
- Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice. (Pro tip: turn them into kid-friendly bites, like oat cookies or quinoa patties.)
- Legumes and lentils. Sneak them into soups, dips, or wraps. They’ll never know!
- Dairy options like Greek yogurt. Add some fruit and honey, and boom—dessert that doubles as fuel.
Let’s Move It, Move It (Fuelled by Low GI)
Combining activity with low GI nutrition is the ultimate power duo. Encourage kids to run, jump, skip, and climb to their heart’s content - then refuel them with something that’ll keep them going.
It’s about building habits that stick. Today’s playground champions are tomorrow’s adventurers, thinkers, and movers. So, whether your kid dreams of being a footy star or just wants to out-sprint the family dog, the right balance of movement and low GI munchies will keep them on top of their game.
Now, off they go - to run, play, and tackle the world. Just don’t forget the snacks. 😉
Sources:
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Australian Government - Australian Institute of Health & Wellbeing Snacking
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Patterns in Children Feb 2018