A survey into UK nutrition and eating habits released today reveals that over half the nation - 55 per cent - is still only consuming three portions or fewer of fruit and veg a day, despite 92 per cent admitting that they know the recommended daily amount is five.
The research commissioned, by juice and soft-drink manufacturer Appletiser uncovered that the age group least concerned about their 5 A Day intake was the youngest with 70 per cent of 18-24 year olds confessing they only eat three or fewer portions on an average day, with four per cent of that category not eating any fruit or veg at all,
The research reveals that almost a fifth of those 18-24 year olds who are not getting the recommended 5 A Day admit that it is because they don’t like fruit or vegetables. Amongst all of the age groups the most common excuse given for not getting 5 A Day was not having enough time, with 28 per cent blaming time-poor lifestyles as the biggest challenge, while 22 per cent said they simply could not be bothered.
Those working in sales or the Civil Service who eat less than 5 A Day, appear to have a care-free attitude with a third saying they were not interested in eating the recommended portions. Astonishingly 17 per cent of IT workers that do not eat 5 A Day said it was because they were not sure how to get hold of fresh produce, and accessibility was a problem for a quarter of the students.
Nutritionist Anita Bean said the survey showed that despite high awareness of 5 A Day, the concept seemed to involve too much time and effort for most people.
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