Our sweet tooth is even sweeter since pre-covid

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Irish families spent an average of 160 euro each on treats last month.

New research from Safefood shows the spending on the likes of chocolate, sweets and crisps increased since the last similar survey pre-covid.

Child & Adolescent Psychotherapist, Coleman Noctor, says during lockdown many people resorted to treats because there was nothing to do.

But it's a crucial health issue and parents needs to act.

Noctor reveals: "I think parents are not believing that they can manage the problem.

"We anticipate that it will be really difficult to say no.

A lot of the campaign is how difficult it is, the puppy eyes and 'please can i have a treat.'"

Noctor goes on to say:

"It is difficult initially but it get easier and i think from the point of view from parents need to take control of what is in the cupboard."

His tips are:

• "work within your own limits"
• "gradually build towards using less treats"
• "and just having more healthy options in the cupboard"