MOST Scots don’t follow healthy eating recommendations, a consumer tracking survey from Food Standards Scotland, has confirmed. 
FSS has published the results showing that, while most people in Scotland are aware of healthy eating recommendations, the majority do not follow them.
Conducted between the June 28 and July 6, 2016, the survey shows that, on average, Scots recognised eight out of 11 healthy eating statements based on the principles of the Eatwell Guide, but only two are consistently followed. 
It showed that a third of consumers regularly drink 6-8 cups of fluid a day on average, but the recommendation most widely adhered to is avoiding the use full fat butter and cream when cooking – something 48% of those surveyed stick to.
Concern around the amount of sugar in food and drinks is increasing, however, since FSS conducted its first survey of this nature in December 2015, with the majority of Scots believing that sugary drinks such as colas or lemonades should be avoided, however participants also claimed that they drink sugary drinks at least once a day or more.
Participants felt that there are some significant barriers to making healthier choices, and the survey highlights that three-quarters of Scots agree that the most convenient food to buy outside of the home is usually the least healthy. There is also a significant desire among people in Scotland for more regulation of ingredients in food as a way of improving diet. 
Head of nutrition and policy at FSS, Heather Peace said: “This tracker survey helps explain why we are so far from meeting our dietary goals in Scotland, as most people say that they don’t follow healthy eating advice.”