Two-time Olympic champion Helen Glover has teamed up with Aldi in a bid to get kids in Sheffield outdoors during the ‘wetter and colder’ months.

This comes after new research shows that many families across Sheffield go into ‘hibernation mode’ during winter, with 42% of Sheffield primary school-aged children spending 20 minutes or less outdoors each day.

The research also found that during the winter months children spend an average of just five hours a week outside compared to the nine hours during summer.

On the importance of being outdoors across the whole year, Glover, who became the first mother to row for Britain at the Tokyo Olympics 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.”

Parents across the UK also said that the seasonal shift can ‘have a knock-on effect on eating habits', with more than a third of parents (38%) saying that ‘children’s fruit and vegetable intake drops when favourite produce is out of season’.

A quarter (25%) of parents also said that their ‘children are less keen on winter vegetables such as cabbage and sprouts’.

On the impact of the colder months on food intake, 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.”

The research also showcases a positive link between ‘outdoor activity and healthier eating', as 42% of parents say that they find it ‘easier to encourage children to eat fruit and vegetables after they’ve been active outdoors’.

On the importance of creating opportunities to help parents and children during the winter months, Ashfield said: “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.”

Aldi’s research comes after they celebrated the 10-year anniversary of Get Set to Eat Fresh, the discount supermarket’s long-running programme delivered in partnership with Team GB and ParalympicsGB.

This programme, which Aldi has committed a further £2million to over the next five years, provides schools with ‘free education resources and opportunities to empower every young person to understand the connection between food, movement and wellbeing’.


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.”
2. 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."
3. 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.”
4. Make preparation your friend.
“I try to get ahead where I can – even something as simple as chopping up a few carrots or cucumbers 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.”
5. 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

*Research carried out in January 2026 on a sample of 1,000 parents with children aged four–12