Eating on the run leads to a poor diet

Many young people say they lack the time to sit down to a meal, and that pushes them to make less-than healthy food choices.Researchers from America surveyed 1,687 college-age adults (average age 20 years) and found that 35 percent of men and 42 percent of women said they lacked time for sit-down meals. Those time constraints also seemed to push them towards more junk food and less healthy fare.Men and women who said they typically sat down to dinner with other people tended to have better overall diets, including a higher intake of fruits and vegetables. In contrast, those who tended to 'eat on the run' often opted for fast food and had higher intakes of saturated fat and soft drinks.The findings suggest that it is important to make time for having meals and, whenever possible, to share mealtimes with friends or family members. Even though real meals can be hard to fit into a busy day, people should schedule time for them like they would for any other important activity. Colleges and workplaces could do their part by providing scheduled break times for meals, as well as facilities with healthy snack options.When there is no other option than eating on the run, the researchers advise reaching for healthy fare instead of junk food. Fresh or dried fruits, pre-washed bagged vegetables, whole grain crackers and cheese are some convenient, healthier choices.

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