A NEW survey has revealed striking differences between how students view their eating habits and how their parents see them. Almost two-thirds of mothers who took part in a nutritional survey on behalf of a new health-conscious website, called brainfood.ie, considered their child’s diet to be either healthy or very healthy, whereas less than half of students surveyed thought that was the case.
The survey asked 550 students and mothers of students preparing for a Leaving Certificate or third-level examination about eating habits.
As well as highlighting an obvious gap between a child’s perception of their diet and a parent’s interpretation of it, the survey found that living away from home was a strong determining factor in the healthiness of a student’s daily diet.
Just half of students living away from home said they ate breakfast, lunch and dinner during intensive study periods, with 25 per cent of those who had moved out also admitting to regularly skipping meals.
This was in sharp contrast to the small number of students, just 12 per cent, who were living at home and did not eat three meals a day during the run-up to exams.
Just one-tenth of all students questioned ate the recommended daily allowance of five or more portions of fruit and vegetables.
The survey also found that periods of intense study have a dramatic impact on the healthiness of a student’s diet. Female students were more likely to alter their eating habits in response to pressure, with 86 per cent reporting a change in diet during a stressful time.
Nearly half of girls admitted to eating more junk food while revising. In comparison, a quarter of male students surveyed said their diet did not change during periods of intense study.
The disparity between generations was borne out again in this area, with just over a quarter of mothers (29 per cent ) believing that their child snacked more during intense study periods, considerably lower than the 64 per cent of students who reported a shift in eating patterns at these times.
Launched yesterday, brainfood.ie aims to promote the significance of omega 3 in maintaining high levels of concentration and a healthy mind. It is backed by seafood company John West which says it wants to promote the nutritional benefits of fish.
In the main, the survey found female students ate healthier snacks, such as fresh fruit, yoghurt and crackers, whereas males tended to eat salt and sugar intensive alternatives such as crisps, soft drinks and muffins.
Male students were also more likely to buy junk food, such as pizzas and chipper-type foods once a week, than their female counterparts.
“The research shows that, usually, female students tend to eat more healthily than male students,” said Aoife Kirwan, consultant dietitian and nutritionist. “Even their snacks are healthier. But when quizzed about their eating habits during intense study times, nearly half [48 per cent] of female students ate more junk fund at this time, as against 38 per cent of males.”
Information on the benefits of omega 3 and dietary requirements for students and parents is available on the website www.brainfood.ie.