Do you know the healthier choice?
What does your diet contain? Are you sure that you know how much salt, sugar and saturated fat is in your favourite foods? Because new research reveals that people in England actually don't.
Two thousand adults took the newly launched ‘Food IQ’ quiz, designed to highlight levels of salt, sugar and saturated fat in popular foods. The results show that the majority of people are largely unaware of what is in their food – with over three quarters of respondents’ Food IQs rating as low - scoring 50% or under.
Just three people – less than 1% of the 2,006 – who have already tested their food IQ have correctly answered all 12 questions whilst, one in ten people could only correctly answer four questions.
Change4Life campaign ambassador Ainsley Harriott said: “It’s really important to be aware of what hidden nasties may be in your food, and to know what you’re putting in your or your family’s bodies. Some of our favourite meals, takeaways and snacks contain high amounts of salt, sugar and saturated fat – it's our job to make sure that we know where they are hiding.
“But it is possible to eat well on a budget, and you don’t have to give up your family favourites or treats just to be food smart. There are simple changes you can make which will help: try to prepare food at home, cut down on saturated fat, swap high sugar options for lower ones, watch out for hidden salt in foods and check the label on the food you buy.”
The majority of people don’t realise that a pre-packed ham and cheese sandwich has more salt than a Chicken Tikka Masala ready meal, or a packet of ready salted crisps.
Six in 10 people don't realise that a small pepperoni pizza has more saturated fat than fish & chips.
The low scores come despite the fact that most people surveyed by Change4Life report they would like to be healthier. However the research goes on to show that factors such as cost and time are additional barriers when it comes to choosing the healthiest options.
The Food IQ Quiz is available on the Change4Life Facebook page now. Search Change4Life for more information.
Tagged in Diet Healthy eating Diet tips Healthy Diet Plan Healthy Food