But the survey also found that snacking in front of the television was on the increase. Dr Ian Banks, a GP taking part in the BBC's Fighting Fat, Fighting Fit campaign, offered one way to combine the two pastimes. In other areas of health and nutrition, the UK was also confused, according to the survey. This has been blamed for the rise in obesity and the number of people who are overweight in Britain. People grab something, and grabbing something doesn't usually include vegetables.
People go for high-density foods like burgers.
Traditional convenience foods such as cakes and biscuits were making way for crisps and nuts, the survey found, as consumers swap sugar for salt and spices. An excessive salt intake, however, leads to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. The survey found that although there were more smokers, they were smoking less. Alcohol consumption is following continental European trends with a move away from beer to soft drinks and wine. It also found that only one person in 10 claims to eat the recommended daily five portions of fruit and vegetables - the average is three portions a day.