Three-quarters of Kiwis aged between 18 and 24 and three in five Kiwis between 25 and 34 are left feeling guilty after eating takeaways, according to independent research commissioned by Sealord. Furthermore, half of those surveyed admitted that a fragile emotional state is part of their decision to get takeaways in the first place.
Clinical psychologist Dr Kumari Valentine said that the role of social media can influence young New Zealanders’ perceptions of what healthy is, which compounds their guilt. “The challenge with social media use is that it creates a false sense of what is normal, expected, or healthy, and when our reality doesn’t match up to what we think we ‘should’ be eating, we feel guilty,” she explained. “It’s really important to listen to your own body and follow sensible nutritional advice that works for you.”
TAKEAWAY RESEARCH TAKEAWAYS:
- 50 per cent of Kiwis admit to being more likely to indulge in takeaways when feeling emotional.
- Over 40 per cent of people agree that their health could be improved.
- 80 per cent said that healthy eating is important to them and their family.
- 50 per cent stated that maintaining motivation was their top barrier to continuing a healthy lifestyle, followed closely by time (40 per cent).
- 70 per cent of Kiwis exercising less than two and a half hours per week – the recommended amount by the Ministry of Health.
