Average Brit skips a meal every day but grabs snacks like crisps and tins of tuna to keep going, survey finds
The average adult skips one meal every day – with breakfast being the most common.
A study of 2,000 Brits found 46 per cent regularly go without the first meal of the day, while 30 per cent miss lunch.
Lack of appetite (39 per cent), time (34 per cent) and a rushed daily routine (28 per cent) were the top reasons for going without meals.
Busy workloads (24 per cent) and simply forgetting to eat (16 per cent) were other common reasons.
The research, commissioned by Arla Protein to mark the launch of the brand’s new Food to Go range, also revealed the foods people confess reaching for when needing something quick.
These were a single packet of crisps (35 per cent), a lonely boiled egg (15 per cent) and a plain jacket potato (11 per cent).
Among some of the unsatisfying meals endured were tinned tuna (11 per cent), cold pizza (nine per cent) and a dry baguette or roll (eight per cent).
A fifth admitted they often decide on what to eat in a rush and as a result, 30 per cent enjoy them less than the meals they take time to choose.
Danny Micklethwaite, for Arla Protein, said: “Brits often find themselves running between work, life and other social commitments, meaning important meals like breakfast and lunch become somewhat of an afterthought.
“We either skip those meals altogether or make rushed choices which can be devoid of flavour and essential vitamins and minerals.”
The younger demographic of 18–24-year-olds are more likely to skip a meal than any other age group, citing forgetfulness as the top reason why (31 per cent).
The 25-44 year olds were most likely to attribute missed meals to busy workloads (38 per cent) or rushed routine (38 per cent).
Looking at parents, around one in three (30 per cent) said rushed daily routines is a reason they miss meals – especially breakfast(43 per cent).
The research also found when people skip mealtimes, they feel hungry (28 per cent), tired (27 per cent), less productive (15 per cent) and irritable (14per cent).
Some 63 per cent of those polled via OnePoll cited that they suffer from decision fatigue and 55 per cent said this impacts their meal choices.
The brand’s new range of nutritionally balanced meal replacement protein drinks helps busy, active adults take back breakfast and lunch, offering one meal in one bottle.
Danny Micklethwaite added: “It’s clear there are lots of quick and easy options to grab throughout the day, but many of the choices are displeasing and don’t offer any nutritional value.”
What a balanced plate looks like
How can you make sure you are eating a balanced, filling and nutritious plate at every meal?
Think of your plate divided into different food groups – protein, carbs, fat and fruit and veg.
Protein: David Wiener, training and nutrition specialist at AI-based lifestyle and coaching app Freeletics, told The Sun: “Aim for one to two palm-size portions of lean protein in each meal.”
Protein includes meat (chicken, turkey, pork, beef), beans, peas, lentils and fish.
The NHS Eatwell Guide says to choose lean cuts of meat and mince, and eat less red and processed meat like bacon, ham and sausages.
Aim for at least two portions (two x 140g) of fish every week, one of which should be oily, such as salmon, sardines or mackerel.
Carbs: Carbohydrates should make up about a third of your plate, or a fist-sized portion.
The Eatwell Guide says: “Choose higher fibre or wholegrain varieties, such as wholewheat pasta and brown rice, or simply leave the skins on potatoes.
“There are also higher fibre versions of white bread and pasta.
“Starchy foods are a good source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients in our diet.”
Fat: Generally the advice is to think of fat like a thumb-sized amount on your plate.
The Eatwell Guide says: “Remember all types of fat are high in energy and should be eaten in small amounts.
“These foods include chocolate, cakes, biscuits, sugary soft drinks, butter, ghee and ice cream.
“They’re not needed in our diet, so should be eaten less often and in smaller amounts.”
But a small amount is still essential for the diet. Try and eat more unsaturated fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil), which are healthier than saturated fats (butter, hard cheese, sour cream).
Fruit and veg: David says: “Make sure you also get lots of colourful fruit and vegetable carbohydrates too.
“Aim for at least five of these portions a day.
“One to two fist-sized portions of fruits and vegetables with every meal is generally recommended.”
Fruit and veg can be fresh, frozen, tinned or dried. You can roast, boil, steam or grill veggies.