A recent survey by probiotic experts Yakult reveals that over half of us are eating for two on a regular basis, while a third of us have no idea what our daily calorie limit should be. The Yakult survey, in association with www.loveyourgut.com to mark Gut Week (August 22 to 28 ), found that Irish people are eating double or more what we should be of foods such as potatoes, cheese, chips, and chocolate.
Yakult’s Gut Week survey reveals that while 80 per cent of us claim to know what the correct portion sizes are for various foods, most of us are piling up our plates regardless. It confirms our love of the spud in all its forms, with 83 per cent of us tucking into chips at least once a week, and when we do, two thirds of us eat double or more portions.
Sadly, the survey reveals we are not as free and easy when it comes to our servings of salad, raw and cooked vegetables, or fruit. Just 17 per cent of us are eating cooked vegetables every day and even less, a mere nine per cent of us, are eating salad or raw vegetables on a daily basis. The survey also confirms our over-reliance on processed foods and takeaways with 71 per cent of us eating takeaways and ready meals at least once a week. The recession has also affected Irish eating habits with almost half of us planning our meals around what is on promotion in store and a third of us eating cheaper quality foods.
With 40 per cent of Irish respondents believing their waistlines to be larger than average of someone of the same age and height, our over generous portions are not only putting extra strain on our waistbands, but also on our digestive systems.
For more practical advice on making changes for the better, tips and information on gut and digestive health, visit www.loveyourgut.com
