Most Brits talk about the same thing for 48 HOURS a year – and it’s not the weather, but can you guess the hot topic?
SEVEN in 10 adults talk about what they’re having for dinner every day – adding up to a whopping 48 hours a year, research has revealed.
A poll of 2,000 people revealed those who chat about it daily, do so for up to an average of eight minutes.
With 21 per cent discussing their evening meal with co-workers every day.
When it comes to favourite foods, a roast dinner was voted the top evening meal – ahead of spaghetti bolognaise and fish and chips.
Gen Z discuss what’s for dinner the most, with 29 per cent admitting to having three or four different conversations about their evening eating each day.
Carolyn Pallister, registered dietician and head of nutrition, research and health for Slimming World, which commissioned the research, said: “Food is so much more than fuel for us as humans.
“Sitting down to eat with others brings many of us a lot of pleasure.
“It can create connections and build relationships – that’s why food is at the centre of so many big events in our lives and is such a popular talking point.”
For years, the nation has been divided on what we call this culinary moment, with the study finding 58 per cent still describing it as ‘dinner’ and 29 per cent adamant it’s termed ‘tea’.
The North versus South divide plays a part, with Yorkshire and Humber (58 per cent) as well as the North East (53 per cent) and North West (50 per cent) all talking about ‘tea’ not ‘dinner’.
Regardless of this divide, more than three quarters (76 per cent) agree talking about food and enjoying food with each other brings people together.
The research went on to reveal that of the people who tuck into an evening meal, 68 per cent cook from scratch.
Of these, 63 per cent also admitted taste was the biggest influence on what they cook up each evening.
Dinner or teatime for those who sit down to eat in the evenings is usually just before 6:30pm (6:28pm).
Although more than six in 10 (62 per cent) admitted to being ‘food lovers’, almost half (48 per cent) of the UK say they are currently trying to lose weight.
Four in 10 (41 per cent), however, disagree that when doing so you have to stop enjoying your favourite meals.
Despite more weight loss drugs now being available, 69 per cent would be unlikely to take them according to the OnePoll.com data.
With 21 per cent of those who feel this way worried they wouldn’t be getting the nutrition they need and 20 per cent simply saying they love their food too much.
Carolyn Pallister for Slimming World added: “The good news is, despite what people may fear, there are ways to lose weight that don’t mean giving up that joy.
“When you’re desperate to lose weight, it can be tempting to chase quick fixes – weight loss injections, pills, surgery, a restrictive or fad diet, anything that promises instant results.
“These might involve suppressing your appetite, depriving yourself or not being able to eat with others as your diet is so different.
“But the truth is there is no magic bullet.
“Lasting weight loss comes from sustainable changes to our food, physical activity, and mindset – and getting the support to make those changes last.
“Look for a programme that focuses on nutritious, tasty food that fits around your lifestyle, so you can still enjoy eating – and talking about meals together as a family or with friends.”
What food do you need for a healthy diet?
IF you want to have good health, a good way to start is from your diet.
The Eatwell Guide shows that to have a healthy, balanced diet, people should try to:
- eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day
- base meals on higher fibre starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice or pasta
- have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks)
- eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other protein
- choose unsaturated oils and spreads, and eat them in small amounts
- drink plenty of fluids (at least 6 to 8 glasses a day)
Source: NHS