| 2002 |
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YEAR BOOK |
LAUREL HILL SECONDARY SCHOOL, LIMERICK
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A survey of teen diets in the 21st Century
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Only 59% of the older boys eat breakfast, while on average 79% of the other groups eat this meal. The most popular breakfast foods were cereal, toast and juice. None of the girls had fries, while 16% of the senior and 1.6% of the junior boys ate these. At morning break, chocolate was the most popular with all groups except senior girls, where chocolate came a close second to fruit. The girls consume water at this time, while 52% and 58% of the 2nd and 6th year boys respectively have soft drinks, with only 6% and 4% choosing water.
Rolls and sandwiches are the most common lunchtime food. Chocolate, crisps and fruit follow in that order among all groups. Again, while the girls favour water, the boys consume soft drinks. After school, chocolate and crisps are popular with boys, while girls opt for fruit. The most common bedtime snacks are cereal and toast. Chocolate and soft drinks are only chosen by boys. The girls mainly drink water and tea.
The main point that emerged during our research is that boys are not eating healthily. Chocolate and soft drinks have a high glycemic index � i.e. they rapidly raise blood sugar levels. Also, it takes 8-10 cups of water to replenish that which our bodies lose each day and the boys do not meet this goal, while their diet does not contain the recommended 4�5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day. Another problem that came to light was the lack of calcium in teenagers� diets, which could lead to problems in later life.
Aoife O�Kelly, �na Donovan & Jennifer Heaney entered their project in the Junior Group Section in the Social & Behavioural Sciences Category at the Esat Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in January 2002. They won a Special Award presented by the Food Safety Promotion Board.
Their teacher was Ms Elizabeth Smith.
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