Survey suggests many of us have replaced 3 meals a day with snacking
A new survey suggests that many of us have replaced three square meals a day with snacking.
New research conducted by Listerine revealed that 29 percent of people admit to eating just one proper meal a day. Snacking has become so popular, that 47 percent of those surveyed said they thought about eating more than football and 1 in 5 said they grazed because they were bored. Almost 20 percent of people said that snacking throughout the day had become a regular habit.
One in ten people said that they think about eating every half an hour and only a third of men eat three meals a day. The figure is slightly higher for women at 42 percent.
Snacking may seem like a convenient alternative to eating proper meals, but it spells trouble for the teeth and gums. When you graze throughout the day, your teeth are under constant acid attack, as bacteria release acids when they feed. Snacking means that your tooth enamel doesn’t have a chance to undergo remineralisation, leaving the teeth weak and susceptible to erosion, decay and sensitivity.
Global director of Oral Care Scientific Engagement at Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturers of Listerine, Mike Lynch, said that the snacking trend is impacting standards of oral health. Although grazing is becoming more commonplace, many people are aware that their eating habits aren’t ideal, with over 40 percent admitting that they are worried about the impact of their diet on their dental health.
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