News

Un-processing Obesity: Insights into the Relationship Between Processed Foods and Obesity in Parents and Young Children

May 25, 2023

Obesity is considered a modern pandemic —and it is on the rise. One of the reasons health experts give for this phenomenon is the consumption of increasingly processed foods. A new study from the Guelph Family Health Study found an association between ultra processed food intake and markers of obesity in adults, but not their…

Top 3 reasons to add plant-based proteins into your diet

March 7, 2022

Plant-based proteins are protein-containing foods that come from plants instead of animals. Common plant-based proteins include foods such as beans, nuts, seeds and tofu.   Adding more plant-based proteins to your diet can provide multiples benefits.  Key among these include improving your health, improving the health of the planet and reducing your grocery bill. Read the…

New U of G-developed cookbook integrates plant-based proteins

March 1, 2022

Plant-Based Proteins: Recipes Made Easy-Peasy is a new, free cookbook available for download in English and French on the GFHS website that integrates plant proteins into both new and well-loved recipes. The 30 recipes in the e-book are designed to be great tasting, simple and quick to prepare for busy families with young children. Alongside…

U of G research focused on impact of pandemic on children’s health awarded federal funding

January 19, 2022

A University of Guelph project investigating the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and mental health of children in Canada has received more than $100,000 in new federal funding. The project, led by Guelph Family Health Study (GFHS) researchers, will investigate the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions and concurrent stressors on Canadian children’s growth and…

New cookbook by Guelph Family Health Study offers families plant-based protein recipes

December 13, 2021

Helping families is the reason behind researchers from the University of Guelph and the Guelph Family Health Study (GFHS) releasing a new cookbook on plant-based proteins. Plant-Based Proteins: Recipes Made Easy-Peasy features 30 recipes using different types of plant-based proteins, like curried chickpea salad or chicken and lima bean stew. All the recipes included in the book…

Most Canadian preschoolers getting too much sugar, U of G research finds

September 21, 2021

Eight out of 10 preschoolers eat too much sugar, especially in baked goods from muffins to cookies, according to University of Guelph researchers. Read the full article here: https://news.uoguelph.ca/2021/09/most-canadian-preschoolers-getting-too-much-sugar-u-of-g-research-finds/

School lunches: U of G researcher reveals ways to make them more appetizing to kids

September 8, 2021

Packing lunches that kids will actually eat can be a daily challenge for many parents, but a University of Guelph family health researcher says the key is to get children involved – and yes, that includes the little ones. Read the full article here: https://news.uoguelph.ca/2021/09/school-lunches-u-of-g-researcher-reveals-ways-to-make-them-more-appetizing-to-kids/

4 pandemic eating habits we should keep

June 15, 2021

The pandemic changed a lot of our routines around food, but researchers have the scoop on which new habits should stick around. And no, we don’t just mean sourdough! Read the full article here:  https://www.todaysparent.com/sponsored/gfhs-pandemic-eating-habits/  

Top tips for managing your kids’ screen time

November 5, 2020

Expert advice to get your kids to put down the devices — and avoid family fights while doing it. Read the full article here: https://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/the-nature-of-things/top-tips-for-managing-your-kids-screen-time-1.5788077 Also, you can learn about the latest research to understand how screens affect children’s development, learning abilities and mental health in a new  documentary from The Nature of Things. We…

Families stressed more, exercising less during pandemic, new U of G research finds

August 21, 2020

As so many Canadians know too well, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused serious disruption to family life. A new University of Guelph study offers one of the first glimpses into exactly how families with young children have fared, including what healthy behaviours they’ve abandoned or adopted. Read the full article here:  https://news.uoguelph.ca/2020/08/families-stressed-more-exercising-less-during-pandemic-new-u-of-g-research-finds/  

U of Guelph to run pilot project to tackle food waste concerns

December 5, 2019

A pilot program led by the University of Guelph aims to tackle the issue of food waste locally by educating residents on how best to shop for groceries, prepare meals and store food. Read the full article here: https://www.guelphmercury.com/news-story/9752003-u-of-guelph-to-run-pilot-project-to-tackle-food-waste-concerns/

New food waste cookbook from Guelph researchers offers tips on what to do with not-so-great produce

September 30, 2019

The Guelph Family Health Study has released a cookbook called Rock What You’ve Got: Recipes for Preventing Food Waste. The new, free cookbook is aimed at helping people curb the amount of food they throw in the garbage. Read the full article here: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/food-waste-cookbook-university-guelph-1.5300027

Households lose up to $1,600 a year in food waste, U of G study reveals

September 27, 2019

Households lose up to $1,600 a year as well as key nutrients through avoidable food waste, say University of Guelph researchers who have completed the most in-depth known study worldwide on the growing problem.

Guelph Family Health Study launches cookbook aimed at cutting food waste

September 24, 2019

Canadian families waste hundreds of kilos of food at a year, but now researchers from the Guelph Family Health Study have created a new cookbook that promises to help.

Reduce your food waste to save money, boost health and reduce CO2 emissions

Research shows that the average Canadian household generates about three kilograms (or almost six pounds) of avoidable food waste per week. While the statistics are concerning, the good news is that families can take simple steps to prevent food waste. Read our top four tips for preventing household food waste.

Celebrating five years of accomplishments for the Guelph Family Health Study

September 17, 2019

This summer the Guelph Family Health Study passed its five-year milestone. Co-directors of the study, Drs. David Ma and Jess Haines, and their team cite five major accomplishments since they launched the program in 2014.

The Guelph Family Health Study receives $1.5 million to enhance food literacy research

August 28, 2019

The Guelph Family Health Study has received a $1.5-million gift from The Helderleigh Foundation to promote food literacy and help raise a healthier generation less prone to chronic disease.

Fathers are vitally important to their kids’ health and to public health research

April 15, 2019

Emerging research suggests that fathers are critical stakeholders in the development of children’s health behaviours.

These parenting moves make the difference for kids’ screen time

January 9, 2019

A recent study found that kids’ screen use is intricately linked to the screen habits modeled by their parents.

The gift of cooking: five fun and healthy recipe books for kids

December 16, 2018

Research suggests cooking can help your child establish healthy habits. As nutrition researchers and dietitians, we can offer you many good reasons for engaging kids in the kitchen.

GFHS starts podcast to help families create healthy, happy homes

July 10, 2018

Our podcast, Healthy Habits, Happy Homes provides evidence-based advice, tips, tools, and interviews with experts to help your family develop healthy home routines! Launching on Tuesday July 10th 2018, the Healthy Habits, Happy Homes podcast is a trusted place for families with young children to listen for health advice.

Five tips to manage screen time this summer

July 3, 2018

Many parents wonder – how much screen time is too much, and how can we manage it?

How fish may reduce your child’s breast cancer risk

May 8, 2018

Exposure to omega-3 fatty acids during a child’s early years may play a role in reducing breast cancer risk later in life.

Dads need to play a greater role in preventing childhood obesity says study

April 12, 2018

Fathers play a key role in influencing their child’s diet, physical activity and screen time, yet they are rarely targeted in family-based efforts to prevent childhood obesity, according to a recent study that should serve as a “wake-up call.”

Dietary salt, the silent killer: how much is too much?

March 15, 2018

Most Canadians eat at least double the daily adequate intake of sodium. And, shockingly, 93 per cent of children aged four to eight exceed Health Canada’s Tolerable Upper Intake Level.

Sweet tooth? Kids may choose snacks based on genetics behind taste buds: study

February 27, 2018

Whether a preschooler has a sweet tooth, is partial to snacks rich in fat, or has an aversion to bitter vegetables like broccoli could be linked to genetics, researchers suggest.

Why frozen vegetables might be better for you in the winter

January 20, 2018

It’s no secret that shopping for fruits and vegetables in the frozen aisle can significantly lower your grocery bill.  And the frozen stuff is good for you. Read the full article here: https://globalnews.ca/news/3966054/frozen-fresh-vegetables-fruits/

Commercials are selling teens on junk food – to the tune of 520 extra snacks a year

January 16, 2018

 A new study from the UK showed young people who stream or watch a lot of TV with ads were likely to consume significantly more takeout meals and sugary drinks.

More Canadians using meals kits to change their cooking habits

December 13, 2017

Meal-kit companies offer consumers a menu of ready-to-prepare dishes that are typically marketed as easy to make, healthy and delicious.

Is your child a picky eater? Five ways to fun and healthy mealtimes

December 5, 2017

Non-compliance at mealtimes can be stressful for parents. However, research shows that independence at mealtimes is completely appropriate for children as they learn to discriminate based on newly recognized qualities of foods such as taste, texture, presentation and familiarity.

How to avoid a Halloween sugar disaster

October 30, 2017

For many parents, it’s the haul of gummy worms, licorice, chocolate bars and other high-sugar candies that their kids bring home – not the ghouls and zombies – that is terrifying about Halloween.

Banish prepackaged snacks from school lunches, nutritionist says

September 6, 2017

Nutrition researcher Jess Haines, says it’s OK to pack snacks in school lunches so long as they’re healthy snacks. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Better snacks needed in kids’ school lunches

September 5, 2017

New research shows that girls eat more sugary snacks than boys, but there are easy ways to improve the nutrition in all school lunch boxes.

Massive U of Guelph health study recruiting hundreds of local families

July 18, 2017

Researchers at the University of Guelph are looking for hundreds of families with young children to take part in a study that will follow the health of those families for years, or even decades, to come.

The role of fathers in the diet, activity, and weight of their children

June 23, 2017

Elie Chamoun, a PhD Candidate working with the GFHS, was interviewed in french by Radio-Canada host Patricia Sauzede-Bilodeau about the role that fathers play in their children’s dietary intake, physical activity and weight.

Kids follow father’s eating habits, study shows

June 21, 2017

According to the Guelph Family Health Study, kids mimic Dad’s eating habits more than Mom’s.

Study says dads are key to raising healthy eaters

June 16, 2017

If you are a mom who’s struggling to feed a picky eater, it might be time for Dad to intervene.

Guelph kids love to snack

August 26, 2016

Dr. Andrea Buccholz and Joy Mackay of the Guelph Family Health Study have co-authored a blog for “Research Matters,” featuring Joy Mackay’s research on snacking in children.

Guelph Family Health Study Recruiting 100 Families

January 6, 2016

CBC News Kitchener Waterloo Researchers at the University of Guelph are looking for 100 young families to participate in a 20-year-long study. Read the full article: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/guelph-childhood-obesity-study-recruiting-100-families-1.3391734

The launch of the Guelph Family Health Study

August 3, 2014

Dr. David Ma and Dr. Jess Haines talk to CTV Kitchener about the launch of the Guelph Family Health Study, a new, longitudinal study of parents and young children at the University of Guelph.   Watch the video clip:  https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=410999

U of G researchers recruiting thousands of Guelph-Wellington families for 20-year study

July 30, 2014

U of G researchers are recruiting not one, or two, but 3,000 young families for a massive interdisciplinary study that’s set to span two decades.  By tracking the everyday lifestyle choices of parents and their children as they age, researchers are hoping to shape a healthier generation with their Guelph Family Heath Study. https://www.guelphmercury.com/news-story/4725897-u-of-g-researchers-recruiting-thousands-of-guelph-wellington-families-for-20-year-study/

Healthier Kids, Reduced Costs Goal of U of G Family Study

July 25, 2014

For David Ma, it’s making sure that his kids get enough sleep. For Jess Haines, it’s limiting TV time for her youngsters. They’re both University of Guelph professors leading a new Guelph research team in a massive interdisciplinary study designed to help cut ballooning health-care costs in Ontario.  Read the full article here:  https://news.uoguelph.ca/2014/07/healthier-kids-reduced-costs-goal-of-u-of-g-family-study/