Two in every five people have made positive changes to their diets in the past six months, according to new research.
A further 40 per cent of consumers intend to eat more healthily, according to the study carried out by Safefood, the food safety promotion board.
"It's reassuring to see that the healthy eating messages are getting through to people," said Dr Cliodhna Foley Nolan, director of public health with Safefood. "What we want to do now is encourage people, especially children, to eat leaner meat, increase their intake of fruit and vegetables and switch to wholegrains."
Dr Foley Nolan was speaking in advance of the launch of phase two of Safefood's 'superfoods' campaign tomorrow. "The straightforward dietary changes that we are recommending could make a big difference to our health in the long run," she said.
A new series of television advertisements specifically targeted at children will further push the message that many ordinary foods are in fact superfoods. The original campaign included a series of high-profile advertisements on billboards and buses highlighting how bananas, peas, wholegrain bread and red meat were superfoods. The radio advertisements in particular gave voice to the often under-rated nutritional value of these ordinary foods.
On the island of Ireland, meat is one of the primary sources of salt and saturated fat, both of which have negative effects on heart health if eaten in high amounts. Safefood is concerned that many people are still bypassing ordinary foods and instead choosing processed foods which are high in salt, sugar and saturated fat.
"We tend not to distinguish between highly processed varieties and healthier options," said Dr Foley Nolan. "Meat is a great source of protein and iron so switching to lean, unprocessed types of meat is a great way to cut down on salt and fat without missing out on essential ingredients."
The campaign also aims to promote the inclusion of unrefined carbohydrate foods such as whole grain bread, jacket potatoes, brown rice and oatmeal in the diet. Swapping white bread for brown or wholemeal bread or choosing wholegrain cereals are practical changes people are prompted to make. "These foods slow down the release of energy and they also contain fibre which is essential for a healthy gut," said Dr Foley Nolan.
Safefood is also keen to stress that many vegetables have anti-oxidants and the right balance of minerals and vitamins that are just as good as expensively branded functional foods.
"We are encouraging people to eat these foods rather than foods which are supplemented and fortified," said Dr Foley Nolan.
For more information visit www.safefoodonline.comor call 1850-404567.
