Eating or cheating: 1 in 4 Aussies will try a new diet in 2022
Millions of Aussies are prioritising their health in 2022, according to new research by Finder.
A nationally representative survey of 1,000 revealed 1 in 4 Australians (24%) – equivalent to 4.7 million people – will try a new diet this year.
The research found 1 in 10 (10%) Aussies are planning to have a crack at the keto, gluten-free and vegetarian diets – the top-trending diets of 2022.
In joint second place, 8% of Aussies are interested in testing both the low FODMAP and paleo diets this year.
A further 6% will be attempting the vegan diet this year, stripping their fridge of animal products like meat, eggs and dairy.
Kate Browne, personal finance expert at Finder, says it's great that so many Australians are planning to overhaul their diets this year.
"It's easy to fall into bad habits when you're busy working or taking care of the kids so setting goals can help to get things back on track.
"New habits can be hard to stick to so instead of making drastic changes, try taking small steps every day. If your goal is to stop eating meat, try one meat-free day a week and go from there.
"Changing your eating habits can be hard, so why not see if you can get a friend or your family to join you. Having a buddy will keep you motivated and help keep you accountable too."
The survey showed 8% will try 1 new diet this year and 7% will try 2 diets. Nearly 1 in 10 (9%) will attempt 3 or more diets in 2022.
Gen Z are the most interested in changing up their eating habits, with 40% planning to try a new diet this year, compared to just 4% of baby boomers.
Browne recommends shopping online as a tool to save money on groceries.
"When shopping for groceries, shopping online can give you the power to hunt around for a bargain.
"Meal delivery services are also a great way to help manage your food budget and cut down on food waste too.
"Money management apps like the Finder app can also make your life easier by showing you all your income and spending in one place, including those grocery and food shops – so there is no need for messy spreadsheets," she said.
Gen Z are most interested in going vegetarian (21%), while gen X are more likely to try the low-carb keto diet (8%).
| Do you follow OR do you plan to try any of the following diets in 2022? | |
|---|---|
| I plan to follow this diet in 2022 | |
| Keto diet | 10% |
| Gluten-free diet | 10% |
| Vegetarianism | 10% |
| Low FODMAP diet | 8% |
| Paleo diet | 8% |
| Pescetarianism | 7% |
| Veganism | 6% |
| Source: Finder nationally representative survey of 1,000 respondents, January 2022 |
| Do you follow OR do you plan to try any of the following diets in 2022? | |
|---|---|
| I already follow this diet | |
| Keto diet | 8% |
| Gluten-free diet | 8% |
| Vegetarianism | 8% |
| Veganism | 8% |
| Low FODMAP diet | 6% |
| Pescetarianism | 6% |
| Paleo diet | 3% |
| Source: Finder nationally representative survey of 1,000 respondents, January 2022 |
| Do you follow OR do you plan to try any of the following diets in 2022? | |
|---|---|
| I don't follow nor plan to try this diet in 2022 | |
| Paleo diet | 89% |
| Low FODMAP diet | 86% |
| Pescetarianism | 86% |
| Veganism | 86% |
| Vegetarianism | 83% |
| Gluten-free diet | 82% |
| Keto diet | 82% |
| Source: Finder nationally representative survey of 1,000 respondents, January 2022 |
Find out how to save money on a range of things from food to health here.