Millions of Britons are ‘too busy’ to be healthy, says study

Millions of Brits are ‘too busy’ to be healthy, a new poll has found.

Of the 2,000 adults surveyed, more than half want to eat healthily and get plenty of exercise – but are hindered by their hectic lifestyles.

Two thirds admit they often eat ‘badly’ because they don’t have the time to prepare nutritious food.

And 75 per cent revealed they skip meals entirely for the same reason. It also emerged, three quarters have avoided going to the gym because they have been too rushed off their feet.

More than one fifth said they had cancelled memberships altogether because they have been too busy to attend sessions.

Commissioned by healthy recipe box company, Mindful Chef, the research found two thirds are worried about the impact their hectic lifestyle could be having on their health.

“Whilst the importance of a healthy diet is becoming increasingly recognised, it’s clear a huge proportion of us need more help to achieve a healthy lifestyle," said its co-founder Giles Humphries.

The research also found one third don’t have the time to plan ahead to ensure they eat healthy dinners throughout the week. Amid this, six in 10 said they find it difficult to find recipes which inspire them to eat more nutritious meals.

When those polled do find the time to buy food from supermarkets, 68 per cent said they choose unhealthy meals because they believe it is quicker to prepare.

And half have skipped breakfast, lunch or dinner when they haven’t had enough time to do a food shop.

Those surveyed said they typically skip mealtimes a 136 times a year in total as a result of their busy lifestyles.

Mr Humphries added: “Our research found of those who have tried a recipe box, eight in 10 said it made eating healthily easier. We think this shows a healthy lifestyle is possible – even for the large chunk of us who lead incredibly busy lives.”

SWNS