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TEAM GB ROWING STAR HELEN GLOVER TEAMS UP WITH ALDI TO GET KIDS OUTDOORS MORE

With new research revealing that many families across the UK slip into ‘hibernation mode’ during the wetter and colder months, Aldi has teamed up with Team GB rower and mum of three Helen Glover to help inspire families to get outdoors whatever the weather.

Conducted to mark over 10 years of Get Set to Eat Fresh – the discount supermarket’s long-running schools programme delivered in partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB – the research found that children only spend five hours a week outdoors in winter, compared to nine in the summer.

The poll of 1,000 parents of four–12-year-olds revealed that nearly a third (31%) of children spend 20 minutes or less outdoors each day during the colder months.

Parents also said this seasonal shift can have a knock-on effect on eating habits. More than a third (38%) said children’s fruit and vegetable intake drops when favourite produce is out of season, while a quarter (25%) said their children are less keen on winter vegetables such as cabbage and sprouts.

However, the research also highlights a positive link between outdoor activity and healthier eating. More than two fifths (42%) of parents said they find it easier to encourage children to eat fruit and vegetables after they’ve been active outdoors – suggesting even small amounts of fresh air can make a difference.

Helen Glover, British Olympic rower and mum of three, who has worked with Aldi to support its Get Set to Eat Fresh programme, said: “I totally understand why so many families slip into ‘hibernation mode’ when it’s cold and wet. Getting everyone out of the door can feel like a whole operation, and it’s all too tempting to stay cosy indoors.

“Sometimes you do need that extra push to get out, and that’s completely normal. I find it a challenge too, especially when it’s cold or wet. If you’re stuck for ideas, it can help to think of it as a small adventure rather than a big plan. We throw on a warm layer, head outside and see where it takes us – whether that’s a quick walk, jumping in muddy puddles or building a den.

“Even a short burst of fresh air can help the kids burn off some energy, and I often notice they come back happier and more settled. I’ve also found that being outside makes it easier to encourage healthier snacks afterwards, like a piece of fruit or some crunchy veg sticks.”

Julie Ashfield, Chief Commercial Officer at Aldi UK, said: “The colder months can make healthy routines harder to stick to - whether that’s getting outside more often or keeping fruit and veg on the menu. This winter has been one of the wettest on record, making it harder still.

“Through the Get Set to Eat Fresh programme, we’ve spent the last 10 years supporting schools across the UK with free resources that help children understand the connection between eating well and staying active, in a fun and practical way. We’re now investing a further £2m into the programme over the next five years to build on that progress and reach even more children.

“We want families to feel supported with simple ideas that are realistic for everyday life whilst offering great value on fresh produce - so healthy choices feel more achievable all year round.”

The Get Set to Eat Fresh programme provides schools with free education resources and opportunities to empower every young person to understand the connection between food, movement, and wellbeing, and Aldi has committed a further £2m to Get Set to Eat Fresh over the next five years.

Helen Glover’s tips for keeping families active and eating well during the colder months:

1. Accept that some days will feel harder

“There are definitely days when I’d much rather just keep everyone inside, cosy, warm and out of the cold. And I think it’s important to be honest about that. When it’s grey and raining, getting the kids out the door can feel like a challenge before the day has even properly begun. I’ve learned not to put pressure on myself to make it perfect. If we get outside for even 10 or 15 minutes, I’ll take that as a win. Sometimes it’s not about doing loads, it’s just about doing something.”

• Turn outdoor time into an adventure

“Whenever motivation is low, I try to think of the outdoors as more of an adventure than ‘exercise’. I love to let the kids decide where we go or where the best place for their next den is, just turning the whole thing into a game”.

• Build outdoor time into everyday routines

“I try to build outdoor time into everyday routines, like walking part of the school run, heading outside after dinner, or popping out for a quick play before bath time. Even short bursts make a difference – the kids usually come back calmer and more settled, which helps the rest of the day run more smoothly.”

• Make preparation your friend

“I try to get ahead where I can – even something as simple as chopping up a few carrots or cucumber the day before and popping them into snack pots. It means we’ve always got something nutritious to hand and are less likely to reach for more processed options when we’re out and about.”

• Give back control

“One way I can encourage the kids to eat fruit and veg is by giving them a choice. When we’re in the supermarket, I get them involved in picking products and filling the trolley, and at home I let them help prepare snacks or meals they already enjoy.”

HELEN’S TOP FAMILY ACTIVITIES TO TRY DURING THE COLDER MONTHS:

1. A treasure/scavenger hunt
2. Toasting marshmallows over a fire
3. Building a campfire
4. Going camping
5. Birdwatching
6. Building a den or outdoor fort
7. Going on a winter walk through the woods
8. Roller skating
9. Exploring a woodland trail
10. Feeding winter birds or wildlife
11. Climbing trees
12. Surfing/bodyboarding
13. Orienteering
14. Skateboarding
15. Playing ball games
16. Playing with a frisbee
17. Jumping in puddles
18. Playing running games (e.g., it, tag, chase, sardines)
19. Kicking piles of leaves
20. Hula hooping

ENDS