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A majority of Britons admit that their diet would not be considered healthy or balanced, and almost three quarters have previously attempted to cut out an entire food group in a bid to either lose weight, improve their health or change their lifestyle, new research has said.
Dairy, protein and fibre were the three most commonly neglected food groups.
The survey was carried out by online health company GoNutrition, which interviewed almost 2,400 UK adults to determine public perceptions of a balanced diet and how much importance Britons place on their nutritional wellbeing.
Only 39% said that they believed their diets were healthy and balanced.
Of those that said their diet was not healthy, more than 60% said that they ate too many fatty foods and more than half said that they neglect important food groups. A further 41% said that their diets contained too much sugar, and one third said that their diets featured too many daily calories.
Just under a quarter revealed that they avoided a specific food group for dietary reasons, whilst 76% admitted that they struggled to afford or find items they enjoyed from the particular group.
GoNutrition managing director Ross Beagrie said: “Ensuring your body is provided with a full and balanced diet is key for your long-term health and wellbeing. Unless you have specifically been told to do so by a medical professional, fad diets or cutting out crucial food groups entirely will only have negative consequences in the long-term. As always reiterated amongst health and nutrition experts, everything can and should be enjoyed in moderation, as denying yourself of something will only give you more cravings and temptation once your willpower dies down.”
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