New research has found that, when it comes to eating healthily, we can’t trust the people closest to us to keep us on track.
In fact, the study of 2,000 Americans found our spouses or partners are nearly twice as likely to cause us to fail an attempt to eat healthy than a friend or someone we work with.
The survey, conducted by market researchers OnePoll and commissioned by Regal Springs Tilapia, found over a fifth of people polled felt a partner had ruined a diet for them in the past.
And if we can’t even trust our partners, it’s no wonder that thirty percent of Americans have taken matters into their own hands by trying to eat more healthily or lose weight in secret.
The study found that the younger we are the more susceptible we are to outside pressure—millennials are by far the most likely to undertake a secret diet—with 45 percent having done this compared to just a quarter of adults ages 55 and older.
Whether we’re being led astray by our partners or friends or simply lacking in willpower, the research found many Americans feel they aren’t doing things right when it comes to maintaining a diet that actually benefits them.
As many as four in ten people feel the majority of food they eat is unhealthy.
Unfortunately, poor food choices inevitably leads to negative side effects—over a third of those surveyed regularly feels sluggish or bloated and 43 percent think their diet actually causes them to be tired.
Twenty-eight percent of the respondents polled felt they eat too much red meat and suspect this is what’s causing them to feel sluggish.
Chef Guy Lott, VP of Sales, Regal Springs Tilapia said, “It’s interesting to see how many people attribute feelings of lethargy or sluggishness to the food they eat regularly. Our diet should be a source of fuel and energy and, while we all indulge now and again, we need to make sure we’re making the best choices we can.”
“Instead of trying to take on a strict diet, start to make small healthy changes that are more sustainable in the long-term such as occasionally replacing meat with seafood.”
“Reducing the amount of red meat we consume in favor of an easy to prepare and versatile fish like Tilapia can ensure we stick to a well-balanced diet and continue to make healthier choices in the future.”
Three-in-ten Americans have recently considered replacing red meat with seafood in a bid to make their lifestyle healthier, but are sometimes hesitant in making the switch due to a lack of confidence. In fact, 32 percent confessed they often hesitate to prepare seafood at home.
Worrying about cooking seafood correctly or lacking the correct experience is the top reason why survey respondents are hesitant to attempt seafood at home more, while over a fifth simply believe they lack the time to prepare and cook more seafood themselves.
Even with hesitation, sixty percent of those polled do manage to eat seafood at least once per week.
Six in ten Americans have also tried eating tilapia when making a conscious effort to eat healthier. Consumption of salmon (59 percent) and tuna (56 percent) also typically rises when someone aims to improve their diet, while a third eat more cod and a quarter eat more shellfish.
Chef Lott added, “While Americans are known to eat too much protein, nearly all eat far too little seafood. As part of the current USDA guidelines, Americans are now encouraged to eat seafood at least twice weekly because of its heart and weight benefits.”
“There is an array of affordable, high quality seafood to choose from—tilapia, cod and snapper are great choices if you’re looking for a mild-tasting, low-fat white, flaky fish while salmon is a good option if you’re seeking a fish high in omega 3 fatty acids.”
“Don’t be afraid to ask your fishmonger for help—he can provide helpful insight such as when the fish arrived, where it came from, how it was sourced and even share some helpful cooking tips.”
The research highlighted that Americans do have good intentions when it comes to eating healthier but that we may need a little help in making permanent changes to our lifestyle. To learn more about responsibly raised tilapia, visit www.regalsprings.com.
***This survey of 2000 US adults was conducted between February 16 and February 24, 2017, by Market Researchers OnePoll and commissioned by Regal Springs Tilapia.
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