A survey of 1,000 parents of children aged between four and 12 found that almost half of parents say it is easier to encourage their children to eat fresh produce after outdoor play or sport. By contrast, when children spend more time indoors — particularly during colder months — their fruit and vegetable intake tends to decline.
The findings point to a seasonal pattern in children’s eating habits, with parents reporting lower consumption of fresh produce during winter when outdoor activity decreases and some favourite fruits and vegetables are less available.
According to public health experts, the connection between physical activity and healthy eating behaviours is well documented. Research from organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Public Health England shows that children who lead more active lifestyles are also more likely to develop balanced dietary habits, including higher consumption of fruit and vegetables.
Health authorities recommend that children eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, yet many families struggle to reach this target. Data from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey suggests that a significant proportion of children still fall short of the recommended intake.
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Outdoor activity appears to play an important role in improving eating habits. Experts suggest that exercise increases appetite and can make children more receptive to healthier snack options such as fruit, vegetables or other fresh foods.
Parents participating in the survey also reported that encouraging children to be active outdoors can have broader benefits, including improved mood, better sleep patterns and stronger family routines around meals and snacks.
The research was carried out to mark the tenth anniversary of the Get Set to Eat Fresh programme, an educational initiative developed by Aldi in collaboration with Team GB and ParalympicsGB. The programme provides schools with teaching resources aimed at helping children understand the connection between healthy eating and physical activity.
To further support the initiative, Aldi has announced an additional £2 million investment over the next five years, with the aim of expanding the programme and reaching more schools and families across the UK.
Nutrition experts note that combining physical activity, nutrition education and easy access to fresh produce can play a key role in encouraging healthier dietary habits from an early age.
