It is Ok to Eat Out If You Eat Healthy, Seems to be the Australian Mantra

Australians have shown a trend of eating out much more than they did last year, the only difference is that they opt for healthier food.

Fifteen per cent of the 1010 Australians polled in April this year, said they go out for breakfast once a week or more.

Thirty-two per cent enjoy dining out for an evening meal each week while 38 per cent go out for lunch.

The Galaxy Research found that 20 per cent of Australians aged 18 or more ate out more in 2010 than in 2009, with every one in three Australians going out for a meal once a week.

But the American Express Dining Insights Research also found that one in four Australians were ordering healthier meals than they were in 2009.

"Australians have a love affair with eating out but more and more they are balancing up the need to look after their health and their waistline," Geoff Begg, vice president of Merchant Services Australia at American Express said.

One-fifth of the people said that they increased their salad consumption.

"More than ever, Australians are better educated about what they are eating and the area of demand is great tasting food that is good for you," News.com.au quoted John Hart, CEO of Restaurant and Catering Australia as saying.

More men chose to eat healthy meals when they ate out in Victoria and NSW compared to women, while in South Australia and Queensland it's the women who are choosing to eat healthy meals.

Source: ANI