By JOLENE OGLE
It’s all about choice when it comes to eating, according to Poolside Cafe leasee Damien Smith who has just launched the traffic light system to help children stay healthy.
The traffic light system separates foods into three categories and colours.
Green is for healthy foods that can be enjoyed regularly, red foods are treats that can be enjoyed every now and then and Amber is for foods in the middle that are most likely processed and are best enjoyed in moderation.
Damien launched the traffic light system at the Poolside Cafe at the Noosa Aquatic Centre on Friday and said he’s already receiving great feedback from kids and parents.
“It’s all about giving kids choice and the chance to make good choices,“ he said.
“Once the system is explained to the children, they have been making good choices.“
Damien said the traffic light system is a great way to show children the different types of foods available to them, as well as how to learn about good food choices.
“If you didn’t sell hot chips and lollies, you would lose about 20 per cent of your business.
“But the system allows kids to choose wisely,“ he said.
“It’s the same for my kids. If they have their hot chips, that’s their treat for the week and their next choice can be a green food.“
The Poolside Cafe green foods include fresh fruit, soy and dairy free smoothies, chicken salad, raw fruit bars, protien balls and shakes as well as a bacon and egg muffin with no butter or sauce.
Lollies, hot chips and chocolate have all earned the red label while amber foods include processed foods with some nutritional value but with moderate levels of added sugars and fats.
