Tired of the toddler leftovers? Why UK parents are putting kids’ meals first and their own health last
New research shows parents are prioritising kids’ nutrition over their own, and it’s impacting energy, mood and motivation.
Parents across the UK are doing their best to feed their families well, but a new report from Good Health by Good Food reveals a growing reality that many mums will instantly recognise: we’re so focused on our kids’ plates, we’re forgetting our own.
According to the 2025 Good Food Nation survey, developed in partnership with YouGov, 28% of parents say they put more effort into their children’s meals than their own. Over one in ten admit they end up eating their kids’ leftovers instead of preparing a meal for themselves.
And while that might feel like a practical solution in the chaos of teatime, experts say this pattern is contributing to a different kind of energy crisis — one that's playing out in homes, not headlines.
“The findings reveal a nation both more health-conscious and more fatigued than ever,” the report explains. “They uncover not just what people know, but what they can (and can’t!) do when it comes to eating better.”
Time, cost and chaos: What’s standing in parents’ way
It’s no surprise that time and cost top the list of barriers. 40% of parents with three or more children say they struggle to find time to eat healthily, and one in five parents with children under 18 say they’ve had to cut back on how much food they buy for their family.
Instead of the shared, nourishing family meals we’d love to serve, the reality is often a juggle of multiple mini dinners, skipped lunches, or snacking on fish fingers and half-eaten bananas.
“I just love my food — after the healthy stuff, I tuck into the treats,” said one parent, perfectly capturing the compromise so many of us are making day to day.
Fatigue isn’t just physical, and mums are feeling it most
The report identifies women and younger adults (especially those aged 25–44) as the most likely to feel persistently low on energy, a symptom that’s made worse by skipping meals, snacking on the go, and relying on sugar or caffeine to power through.
“Fatigue has become a structural feature of daily life,” the report says. “It’s fuelled by poor sleep, volatile diets, and ‘energy-boosting’ foods that often backfire.”
Morning and mid-afternoon “slump points” were a recurring theme in the survey. And while many reach for chocolate or crisps to get through, these quick fixes rarely provide lasting relief.
The food gap between kids and grown-ups is widening
What’s striking is that while parents are clearly putting effort into their children’s nutrition, often planning balanced meals and healthy snacks, they’re not doing the same for themselves.
This widening gap could be setting a worrying precedent, not just for adults’ health, but also for how children view food habits. When kids see their parents skipping meals or living off leftovers, those patterns are quietly normalised.
So what’s the fix? Start with small, achievable changes
The Good Food Nation report doesn’t call for perfection, in fact, it’s quite the opposite. The focus is on small, manageable swaps and “planned overs” that make healthy eating feel doable rather than overwhelming.
Batch-cooking family-friendly recipes, using beans or lentils to stretch meals, and repurposing leftovers into new dishes are all strategies recommended by the Cook Smart campaign featured in the report.
“When cooking becomes enjoyable — rather than stressful — we’re more likely to cook from scratch and avoid more expensive convenience foods,” says food expert Lauren Leyva.
Feed yourself like you feed your family
If this report tells us anything, it’s that mums aren’t failing — we’re trying. But we need to stop treating ourselves like an afterthought at the dinner table.
Because when we nourish ourselves properly — with regular meals, real ingredients, and the same care we give our kids. We’re not just setting a better example. We’re giving ourselves the energy and stability we need to keep going.
And that matters, because feeding a family isn’t just about full tummies. It’s about making sure everyone, including you, gets the support they need to feel good.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.