Research: Daily eating habits differ significantly from recommended

The healthy diet plate developed by the nutritionists of “OnPlate” suggests that the majority (50%) of the meal should consist of fruit, vegetables and berries, 25% should account for protein and 25% for cereal products and potatoes. When investigating the real situation, the proportions of the inhabitants' meals, however, vary.

“A survey carried out at the beginning of the year indicated that 87% of the population follow healthy diet on a daily basis, yet a third indicated that following a healthy lifestyle is a complicated and difficult process. Therefore, we conducted an analysis of shopping baskets to understand the current situation and the proportions of daily meals. Fruits and vegetables make up about 23.5% on the plate, which is only half of the desired level (50%), whereas cereals and potatoes account for only 9% (instead of 25%). In contrast, protein is consumed far more than it is recommended - 45.5% (preferably 25%). Of course, snacking also forms a part of daily meals, which is estimated to be about 14.1%," said Jānis Beseris, Director of the Corporate Relations Department at "Maxima Latvia".

Founder of the “OnPlate” and certified nutrition specialist Līga Balode emphasizes: "Suggestions for healthy eating can vary greatly depending on the health, age, physical activity and other factors. The proportions of the desired healthy diet plate are for people with low level of physical activity, light physical activity in their everyday life, more sedentary lifestyles, which is now relevant to a large part of society. It's a positive fact that people are increasingly thinking about a healthy diet, but these data prove that it is still necessary to implement those habits into daily life."

"Maxima Retail Compass” is a comprehensive overview of the retail industry, in which experts from the retail network "Maxima Latvija" have given their assessment on the current situation in retail and its future trends. This time, special attention in the sector's review was paid to the development of the grain cultivation industry in Latvia and the Baltic States in 2018 and the consumption patterns of grains among the population of Latvia. The survey of the grain cultivation industry was developed in cooperation with the joint stock company "Dobeles Dzirnavnieks" and the agronomists from the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.