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Poll says lack of time the greatest factor in Canadians’ unhealthy lifestyle

You'd love to tone up, eat better, maybe lose those last 10 pounds that won't seem to go away, but if you're like the majority of Canadians surveyed in a recent poll, you just don't have the time.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation released their most recent survey results this week, in which 82 per cent of Canadians admitted they had trouble squeezing in three hours of exercise a week and couldn't find the time to cook healthy meals — even though they're aware it would reduce their risk for later cardiovascular problems.

"Eight out of 10 Canadians know that heart disease and stroke can be prevented, postponed or treated by making healthy lifestyle choices, but they are focusing on the barriers rather than the opportunities," David Sculthorpe, CEO of Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, said in the statement that accompanied the results.

Three hours of exercise per week can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and diabetes by 30 per cent, while inactivity can shave four years off a person's lifespan, the survey added.

Of the 2,160 Canadian adults polled, 46 per cent cited long workdays and lack of time as they reason they weren't exercising.

Approximately one-third pointed to lengthy workday commute times for keeping them from the gym.

When it came to dietary habits, those surveyed provided similar reasons for not eating more well-balanced meals.

Forty-one per cent admitted they couldn't spare the prep time each day for cooking healthy foods, while 51 per cent blamed their local fast food restaurants for not providing healthier options.

As Postmedia reports, the foundation wasn't buying the lack-of-time excuse, and pointed to Statistics Canada data which reported 29 per cent of Canadians age 20 and older spend two or more hours a day in front of the television, while 15 per cent are logging 90 minutes of their leisure time staring into a monitor.

Cardiologist Dr. Beth Abramson said that time could be better spent off the couch.

"Some of the time spent in sedentary leisure activities could easily be devoted to more active and healthy pursuits… Those who say they have no time should take comfort in the knowledge that stints of 10 minutes (of exercise) are beneficial," she advised.

With nearly one-quarter of Canadian adults qualifying as obese, the foundation reiterated a few tips for working health into our busy daily schedules.

Tactics like planning meals in advance, seeking out healthy new recipes, and forgoing the junk food aisle at the grocery store for more nutritious fare figured among their top recommendations.