RIVM investigated the eating pattern of 3500 children and adults. The conclusion: we eat a little healthier. But not yet in the quantities that the Health Council considers necessary for a healthy life.
The latest RIVM food consumption survey covers the period 2019-2021. An average of 163 grams of vegetables were eaten per day. More than the previously measured 128 grams (2007-2010 poll) or the 135 grams from the 2012-2016 poll. But 163 grams is still below the standard set by the Health Thread: at least 200 grams is needed to reduce the risk of illness.
Nevertheless, more and more adults are now meeting this ‘vegetable standard’. 30 percent of them now comply with this, according to the RIVM. That was only 16 percent in the previous poll. Fruit consumption also lags behind the standard of the Health Council: at least 200 grams per day. But eating fruit is on the rise: an average of 129 grams per day now compared to 117 grams in the period 2012-2016.
More critical of red meat
The Dutchman has now taken a more critical look at eating red and processed meat. Consumption fell 20 percent compared to 2007-2010. This seems to be in line with the recommendation of the Health Council to limit the consumption of red and processed meat, because there is a link between the consumption of this and the risk of strokes, diabetes, colon cancer and lung cancer.
Meanwhile, sugary (soft) drinks and fruit juices seem to be more often exchanged for water and tea, of which more is drunk. The consumption of soft drinks, on the other hand, fell to 240 grams daily. In the period 2012-2016 this was still 382 grams. Soft drinks and fruit juices, as well as energy drinks, contain a lot of sugars, which increases the risk of obesity and diabetes.
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