Survey says: Canadians are eating better

A new survey says that 76% of Canadian adults are making healthier food choices today than they were three years ago.

Not surprisingly older Canadians are leading the way. Eighty per cent of those 55 years and older are choosing healthier foods, compared to 76 per cent in the 35 to 54 age group and 73 per cent in the 18 to 34 group.

The biggest change Canadians have made to their diet is to eat more fresh food. Forty-two per cent are doing that, while 38 per cent say they've cut down on sodium and 36 per cent are eating less fat.

Men in particular say they've reduced their sodium intake while women say the biggest change they've made is to eat more fresh foods.

The survey of 1,000 Canadians also found that 67% are influenced by the nutritional labelling on packaging when choosing a product.

Loblaw's dietitian Tina Stewart said the biggest obstacle to eating healthier is the perceived cost of healthier foods, followed by the belief that these foods aren't as tasty. " eating healthier doesn't have to be expensive or lack flavour," she said.

Regionally, British Columbians are most likely to feel that they're eating healthier (82%), followed by those in Ontario (77%).

Forty-five per cent of Maritimers said they've cut back on sodium, more than in any other part of the country, while Quebecers were more likely to have reduced their fat intake (40%).