The Mum’s The Word Report (How the Potato is Making Britain’s Mums More Honest) found that 93% of mums will readily tell a fib to make life easier, and over 2/3 will openly fib about food.  76% of this group claim that ‘bringing the kids up properly’ and ‘feeding them the right kind of food’ are the main catalysts for fibbing – many mums believe they’re feeding their children the ‘wrong’ kinds of food and feel the need to ‘cover up their inadequacies’.

The study discovered that, shockingly, British mums misunderstand many of the foods their kids love and often want to eat.  70% of mums who took part in the study mistakenly considered fish fingers and chips to be ‘junk food’, while believing spaghetti Bolognese, pizza and chicken curry are seen as healthier alternatives.

In reality, fish fingers and oven chips are lower in fat, calories and salt than many other, common tea-time alternatives.

Few people realise that potatoes – a staple food in the UK for generations – are actually lower in fat and calories than pasta and rice.

Nutritionist, Fiona Hunter, isn’t surprised that mums are confused by what to feed their kids: “The rise of faddy diets means that key food groups are sometimes being overlooked and are often considered ‘bad’ by mums, which in turn has a knock-on effect on what mums perceive to be a balanced meal for their kids.

“Despite what mums believe, fish fingers and oven chips are certainly not unhealthy and when served along with vegetables they make a healthy balanced meal for hungry kids.” 

For more recipe ideas and nutritional facts visit www.britishpotatoes.co.uk