Brits shunning greens to binge on beige
BY RECORD REPORTER ALMOST seven out of 10 Britons haven’t eaten any green vegetables in more than a week, research suggests.
And one in 20 hasn’t touched them in a month or longer.
The study showed we are shunning health advice that recommends a diet rich in green leafy, vegetables.
Instead, Brits are filling up on white and starchy carbohydrates, including chips, pasta and potatoes.
The survey showed that such carbs make up 35 per cent of dinner plates. Health professionals say most of what we eat should be fresh veg and fruit.
Aileen Nicol, campaign director at Organic UK said: “We were astonished at the results of this poll which show that a large proportion of Brits are clearly not getting enough fresh, organic foods in their diets.
“The fact that almost 40 per cent of the average dinner plate is beige in colour is worrying, as there are so many benefits of a diet rich in organic proteins and vegetables, not to mention the positive impact choosing organic has for animal welfare and the environment.”
Only 37 per cent of the 1500 adults polled could say with confidence they have a healthy diet, with six per cent admitting they eat badly all the time and 17 per cent saying they feel guilty because of the food they eat.
As many as 16 per cent say they feel unhealthy and a further 13 per cent went as far as to say their diet was making them unhappy.
The survey also suggests that the average Brit has not eaten a meal made mostly of fresh produce, as opposed to tinned, packet or frozen food, in as many as four days.
According to the poll, the most hated vegetable is still the humble sprout, with 15 per cent of the vote, followed by celery on 13 per cent and aubergines on 10 per cent.