THURSDAY, 4 FEBRUARY, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pancake Day the healthy way!

Pancake Day, on Tuesday, 9 February this year, is a family favourite. The NHS Tayside Paediatric Overweight Service Tayside (POST) wants all families to have a flipping good time, however, it’s worth keeping in mind just how many extra calories can be consumed on Pancake Day.

Dr Laura Stewart, POST Team Lead said, “We want everyone to enjoy their traditional Pancake Day but we are challenging families to have healthier, lower calorie toppings.

“Whether you prefer sweet or savoury toppings, the calories or energy can add up. The average pancake contains around 100 kcal but this can range up to 500 kcal when you add different fats and sugars into the batter recipe.”

Sweet or savoury pancakes are quick and easy to make. This pancake day the POST team challenges you to try some of their favourite healthy toppings:

Sweet:

• mixed berries and a dollop of fat free Greek yoghurt

• blueberries and lemon juice

• stewed fruit (no sugar) and cinnamon. Tinned fruit in natural juices is just as good as fresh fruit.

Flavoursome savoury:

• veggie fajita (you can make this into a wrap)

• mushroom, tomato and low fat cheese

• tuna and sweetcorn

Send POST your healthy pancake and pancake race pictures on Twitter to @POSTNHST or www.facebook.com/nhstaysidePOST with the tag #healthy pancakes.

Fun facts about Pancake Day:

• it is estimated that around 52 million eggs are used in the UK each Pancake Day

• in France it is traditional to make a wish while flipping pancakes

• the world record for the most pancake flips in 2 minutes is 349

• one of the oldest pancakes traditions is to have a pancake race on Shrove Tuesday - a great way to burn off extra energy or calories.

To find out more about the POST service or if you have any concerns about your child’s weight, contact POST in confidence on 01738 473784 or email post.tayside@nhs.net or visit our website www.funfittayside.org.uk