Many have switched because they believe it’s a healthier option but are we getting confused about what’s good for us and what’s not?

It’s paella not pie on the menu tonight for two thirds of people in England, as new research shows our eating habits have changed from traditional English food to a more Mediterranean diet.

A Standard Life survey on attitudes to healthcare in England* showed that two in three people have switched to more Mediterranean food, cutting down on traditional English dishes. One in two people have made the change as they believe it is better for their health.

One in ten said they did not make the change for health reasons.

‘It appears that there are many who have switched their eating habits based on the perception that Mediterranean food is healthier. Few will argue that eating a plate of deep fried chips everyday is good in the long run and while many elements of a Mediterranean diet can have beneficial health effects so can many traditional English foods. A balanced diet and exercise, supported by expert advice, are the key ingredients to a healthy lifestyle,’ said Mandy Blanks from Standard Life Healthcare’

The research, undertaken as part of a wider study into the attitudes to healthcare in the UK**, seems to support this view as it showed that two in three people find the messages about food and nutrition confusing.

Other findings It’s Londoners who are leading the way in the move towards Mediterranean food, with a massive 77% making the switch. And it seems it’s rubbing off on their neighbours as 71% of southerners have changed to Mediterranean eating habits. Midlanders are the least likely to have changed their habits with just over half making the switch (56%). Northerners sit in between at 60%.

Perhaps in contrast to general belief men are on a par with women when it comes to switching their dietary habits with 62% of them compared to 64% of women.

Standard Life Healthcare’s seventh annual survey also highlights other statistics which give a related insight into people’s attitudes to health and wellbeing: •Two in three people in England (64%) worry about their health, with more than one in ten (13%) worrying often.
•31% get moody if they don’t exercise
•The love lives of 35% suffer if they are overweight or unfit

Standard Life Healthcare ensures all its customers have access to medically validated health and nutrition information with its online health and wellbeing service. More information on this and the annual survey is available at www.standardlifehealthcare.co.uk