As the UK continues to adapt to evolving work patterns, a significant portion of the population finds maintaining a healthy diet challenging due to time constraints. Recent studies indicate that over 1 in 5 Britons cite a “lack of time” as the primary reason for not eating healthily.

In January 2025, approximately 16% of workers in Great Britain worked exclusively from home, while 41% commuted to their workplaces, and 25% operated on a hybrid basis. This shift towards more traditional work arrangements appears to have impacted daily routines, including meal preparation and dietary habits.

Barriers to healthy eating

A survey conducted by recipe box delivery service Green Chef, involving 2,000 UK adults, shed light on the obstacles preventing individuals from maintaining a nutritious diet. The top barriers identified were:

• Cost of healthy food. 41% of respondents indicated that the expense associated with healthy foods is a significant deterrent.
• Lack of time to prepare healthy food. 21% reported that busy schedules hinder their ability to cook nutritious meals.
• Lack of inspiration for healthy meals. Another 21% expressed difficulty in finding new and exciting healthy recipes.
• Lack of understanding around a healthy diet. 17% admitted to being uncertain about what constitutes a healthy diet.
• Not sure how to cook healthy food. 10% acknowledged a lack of cooking skills as a barrier.

Regional disparities

The survey also highlighted regional differences in dietary challenges. In Sheffield, nearly a third (31%) of participants confessed that their hectic lifestyles prevent them from making healthier food choices. Meanwhile, in Manchester, 17% revealed they lack the necessary culinary skills to prepare healthy meals, hindering their ability to maintain a balanced diet.

Generational challenges

The younger demographic, particularly those aged 18 to 24, seems to struggle the most with healthy eating habits. Nearly one in six (14%) within this age group admitted their diet is not healthy at all. Additionally, 20% cited a lack of knowledge about cooking nutritious meals, and another 20% confessed they do not enjoy the taste of healthy food, making it challenging to adhere to a wholesome diet.

Expert advice on meal prepping

Lily Keeling, a registered nutritionist and recipe development manager at Green Chef, acknowledges the daily struggles many face in maintaining a healthy diet amidst busy schedules and limited cooking skills. She emphasizes the importance of meal prepping as a strategy to overcome these challenges.

“Day-to-day struggles, whether it’s a hectic work schedule or lack of cooking skills, can make it harder to maintain a healthy diet. But looking after what you eat is crucial for keeping your body fuelled and supported,” Keeling advises.

She recommends starting with familiar meals to ease into the habit of meal prepping. “My advice for anyone planning to start meal prepping is to first identify ten meals you love and create a planner to schedule when to prepare and eat them. This helps keep variety in your diet and prevents getting bored of the same meals,” she suggests.