Kiwis skipping breakfast, opting for on-the-go alternatives

According to the online survey by biscuit maker Belvita, which questioned 1,000 Kiwis, 50% of all re…

According to the online survey by biscuit maker Belvita, which questioned 1,000 Kiwis, 50% of all respondents said they skipped breakfast even though a fair percentage of them (42%) know of its importance.

The survey also found that 46% would skip breakfast at least once a week and almost a 33% do so up to three times per week thanks to time-poor and hectic lifestyles.

Disorganised lifestyles

In addition, the survey revealed that half of all respondents will skip breakfast because they are disorganised, and 79% admit to being negatively affected by the time they reach lunch.

Most importantly, over 39% said that they opt for the speedier alternative of eating on the run.

Ginny McArthur, a New Zealand-based nutritionist, said that the survey showed the impact that a busy lifestyle has on health and personality, and breakfast is being sacrificed in favour of other morning priorities.

This resulted in nearly 80% of all the New Zealanders who skip breakfast feeling some negative effect by lunchtime, including lethargy, anger and difficulty concentrating, McArthur said.

“Aside from reduced workplace productivity, this means that many Kiwis will find themselves reaching for unhealthy mid-morning snacks to counter the effects of skipping breakfast,” she added.

On the hop

With nearly 40% of all Kiwis eating breakfast on the run at least once a week, breakfast is no longer a priority. “Our hectic lifestyle means the tradition of sitting down for breakfast at the kitchen table is evolving into a breakfast-on-the-go trend.”

She also pointed out that the research can be compared to a recent Australian study. “The key difference between the breakfast eating habits of Kiwis and Aussies is that Kiwis don't skip breakfast as often as the Australian population (46% versus 56%), but those who do forgo this meal, skip more often in a week.”