Beige food dominates British plates

31 July 2012

Colourful diet? Beige food dominates British plates: New research reveals
routine and a reliance on convenience foods is driving the UK’s eating
habits and nutrition intake



The monotony of eating the same range of foods could be taking its toll on
the UK’s nutritional intake. According to new research, the majority of
British people eat the same foods at breakfast and lunch every day, and
nearly half (48%) rely on a small bank of evening meals such as spaghetti
bolognaise and chicken tikka masala. In fact, 68% of people routinely buy
the same foods from the supermarket each week, supporting the stereotype
that the British really are creatures of habit. 

The survey of 3,000 adults conducted for PAGB, the UK trade association for
over the counter medicines and food supplements, has revealed a distinct
lack of variety in British diets and a marked preference for a ‘beige
palette’.  
 
“Eating the same type of food every day is not only boring but could lead to
deficiencies in certain nutrients if the foods are lacking in key
nutrients,” comments Helen Bond, State Registered Dietitian and member of
the British Dietetics Association (BDA). “Not eating a variety of food
groups, including lots of fruit and vegetables can also compromise the
immune and digestive systems and, ultimately, long term health.” 

Cereal, toast and tea were voted the most popular breakfast options, while
sandwiches came out on top for lunch, making up over half (51%) of all
British lunches. For dinner, nearly half (48%) of participants consumed
pasta at least once a week, followed by chips (38%) and pizza (32%). A
quarter of respondents also indulged in fish and chips or other takeaways on
a weekly basis. The findings suggest that despite the wide variety of foods
available in the UK, the vast majority of people (91%) regularly eat meals
dominated by the colour beige. 

Helen remarks: “Often the first area to be compromised when we are busy,
watching our wallets or feeling stressed is our diet. Hectic lifestyles can
lead to a reliance on convenience foods such as mass produced and beige
coloured white pasta and pizza, which often lack essential vitamins and
minerals. The combination of a stressful modern lifestyle and often a
nutrient poor diet makes the inclusion of a food supplement to support our
nutritional needs a welcome addition to our daily routine.” 

Helen adds: “During times of stress, many people crave an instant feel good
boost from stimulants such as sugar, caffeine, nicotine or alcohol. While
these may provide some immediate relief they actually mask our symptoms
which can lead to bigger problems. Feeling stressed makes it more difficult
for our bodies to absorb vital nutrients found in the food we do eat,
particularly the B vitamins and vitamin C, which support our bodies in times
of stress.”

The average British evening meal normally includes two vegetables – carrots,
broccoli and onions top the chart. However, 1 in 20 do not eat any and 1 in
5 only manage one. Whilst the most popular vegetables all contain valuable
nutrients, eating local and seasonal options at their peak will mean they
have the most flavour and nutritional value. 
Similarly, when it comes to fruit, the most popular are bananas followed by
apples and grapes.  Helen says: “Traditional selections all provide a good
source of vitamins and minerals that keep the body healthy but selecting
more exotic varieties such as pineapple and mango can revitalise your taste
buds and deliver a host of different nutrients at the same time.”

Nearly a third (31%) of UK adults surveyed expressed concerns that their
current diets are not meeting their nutritional needs, rising to half of
18-23 year olds, and a concerning 1 in 10 admitted to never eating a healthy
balanced diet. However, over a third (36%) of respondents are proactive and
support their diet with food supplements such as multivitamins or fish oils.


Psychology lecturer, Dr Mike Green from Aston University in Birmingham
remarks: “We seem to have a genetic preference for high fat, high starch and
high sugar processed foods many of which fall into the beige food category.
While these high carbohydrate foods will stimulate the production of
serotonin in the brain which helps to moderate moods and keep you feeling
happy, levels can drop soon after and when serotonin levels are continually
impaired; this can potentially lead to depression, anxiety and sleep
problems. 

“Incorporate a balance of natural food groups to boost and to maintain the
body’s serotonin levels,” suggest Mike. “Make the time to properly plan
meals to help reduce reliance on carbohydrate rich foods and snacks that
have little nutritious value and consider supporting your diet with a
multivitamin and mineral food supplement.”

Helen concludes: “Whilst supplements should not be considered a substitute
for a healthy and balanced diet there is clear evidence that many of us
simply do not manage to achieve the recommended intake of many nutrients
which are vital for optimal health and wellbeing. Food supplements in
recommended amounts offer a proven means to boost intakes of essential
nutrients and prevent nutritional deficiencies.”