Allrecipes Get-in-Shape Survey 2006

For a third of our Allrecipes survey respondents, getting enough exercise is the most challenging part of their get-fit regimen. Finding ways to stop food cravings was the issue for another third, while eating right is toughest for 28%. Several people scolded us for assuming that "getting in shape" means "losing weight"--they're trying to gain weight for optimum fitness.

A majority of the respondents (62%) who participated in our survey are not on a weight-loss diet, nor are any other members of their households: 81% had non-dieters at home. Of the 38% of respondents who are dieting, almost half have tried name-brand diet plans such as Weight Watchers. The carb-conscious Atkins diet was another popular choice, used by 31% of respondents, followed by the South Beach diet at 23%. Other approaches mentioned included the Zone diet, Jenny Craig, LA Weight Loss, Dr. Phil’s Weight Solution, Sugar Busters, and the Curves exercise plan.

Many respondents indicated that they are going it alone and pursuing their weight-loss goals by counting calories, controlling portion sizes, cutting out refined sugars and white flour, reducing their fat intake and making exercise a priority.

Most Allrecipes.com survey-takers said that they don’t use a specific weight-loss cookbook. Of those who do, favorite diet cookbooks included those issued by Weight Watchers, the South Beach Diet, Moosewood and the American Heart Association; Cooking Light and Shape magazines were also offered as good resources.

Of the respondents who follow restricted diets to manage health conditions, 35% said that high cholesterol was a concern. Diabetes affected the diets of 21%, heart disease 16%, and acid reflux was cited by 18% of respondents. Other diseases, including high blood pressure, were responsible for 29% of respondents' dietary constraints. Fourteen percent of respondents control depression by monitoring their diets.

Users told us they aren’t ready to sacrifice all of our comfort foods to get in shape: only 15% said it was critical that they cook healthy food. Fifty-six percent said it was very important; cooking healthy was only somewhat important to 27% of respondents. Only one percent said healthy cooking didn’t matter at all.

Almost three-quarters of our respondents (71%) try eat more fresh fruits and vegetables and include whole grains in their meals. Fifty-eight percent of survey-takers use low-fat cooking techniques such as grilling as a means to healthier eating. Many people cited portion control as an important consideration; others mentioned eating more organic foods, selecting low-fat dairy products and foods containing "healthy" fats such as olive oil and monounsaturated fats.

Garlic and onions were the runaway favorites when we asked what people use to boost flavor without adding fat: fifty-nine percent add herbs and spices. Condiments like salsas, hot sauces, mustards and vinegars were another popular choice, used by 27%. Seven percent enhanced recipes by adding low-fat cheese, while 4% punched things up with chilies. Other strategies suggested included cooking with chicken broth in place of water.