Health conscious Brits opt for fish and two veg

Fuelled by concerns about expanding waistlines and shrinking budgets, British households are rejecting red meat in favour of more vegetables and fish, according to new research from BBC Good Food magazine. 

The survey of BBC Good Food magazine readers found that two thirds are now making a conscious effort to eat healthily all the time, with just under half boosting their vegetable consumption in the past year. In the same period 44 per cent have cut back on red meat, while fish suppers have become more frequent.

In a knock-on effect from the credit crunch, 43 per cent stated that household budget pressure on was a major reason for cutting back red meat. However, for nearly three quarters of respondents, health and weight triggered this change, with 15 per cent concerned about animal welfare and 1 in 10 stating environmental concerns. 

When it comes to the gender breakdown, women worry more about how their food habits add up, with 54 per cent of women very concerned about healthy eating compared to 41 per cent of men. However good habits often go out of the window at the weekend, with a third of respondents only eat healthily during the week.