Media Release:

Bubs say NO to typical Aussie diet

There has recently been some confusion regarding feeding practices of babies and young children. The current trend in professional circles is to recommend bubs consume a mashed version of the family meals, however Paediatric Dietitian, Joanne Turner is concerned about this recommendation. Whilst in theory the whole family enjoying the same healthy, balanced meal is a nice thought, unfortunately the reality is very different in the majority of Australian homes. Babies require a highly nutritious diet to meet all their developmental needs, they need plenty of fruit and vegetables, grains and lean protein, giving a diet which is high in iron, low in saturated fat, and contains no added salt, sugar, preservatives or ‘fillers'. The bad news is, the overwhelming majority of Australian adults do not actually eat a balanced diet and therefore their babies should not be consuming the same food as their parents.

Salt consumption is a major problem area. In Australia, the estimated average consumption of salt is 8.5 grams per day, which is at least eight times the recommendation for toddlers. The majority of parents would not even realise that they have a high salt diet. 75% of our salt intake comes from processed foods, such as prepared sauces, cheeses, tinned soups, flavouring sachets, tomato paste and various stocks. These items all add flavour to our meals, and allow parents to prepare seemingly nutritious, home cooked family meals. However, these meals are certainly not suitable for babies. Bubs kidneys cannot process this quantity of salt, which is why Australian baby foods must not contain added salt. Accredited Practising Dietitian, and mother, Joanne Turner explains "You may not physically add table salt to your cooking, however unless you are preparing all your meals from scratch and without the addition of stocks or sauces, then you are adding salt!"

Mrs Turner believes "The typical Australian eats too much salt, sugar and fat, and not enough fruit and vegetables. I don't think that just pureeing or chopping the average family meal is suitable for babies. It is imperative that they are prepared specific meals from fresh ingredients, without the addition of salty flavourings, and this does not mean relying on ultra heat treated (UHT) jarred or tinned products". Alarmingly, only 16% of women and 11% of men eat enough vegetables! We can extrapolate these figures and assume that a maximum of 16% of Australian bubs on a family diet are eating enough vegetables! Evidence shows that dietary habits developed in childhood can affect eating patterns and health in later life. Children who are primarily offered healthy, low-salt foods are more likely to maintain this preference into adulthood.

In the 21st century we are all busy, especially parents with young children. On the brink of the biggest economic crises in a century, most households will have both parents in full time employment, with babies and toddlers increasingly attending long day care. It is not always practical, or desirable, for parents to prepare separate nutritious meals for the younger members of the family each night. Many parents may not even know where to start. Australian company Homestyle Nutrition has a solution for all busy parents. Bub Grub's range of frozen baby food is gaining popularity with food experts, health professionals and parents Australia-wide. The meals have been perfectly balanced and gently cooked without ultra heat treatment, to ensure all of Bub's nutritional needs are met. The best thing is, it even tastes delicious! The Bub Grub website (www.bubgrub.com.au) offers parents a range of practical solutions and resources, and offers access to leading Paediatric Dietitian, Joanne Turner, who is available to answer nutrition queries in the Parent's Forum.

For more information visit www.bubgrub.com.au.

Mum Zone Release Date: 16th December 2008

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