Dietary Habits of Australians Not In Good Shape

Construction workers are among those with the poorest diets, while public servants, real estate agents and health industry workers have healthy eating patterns.

Australia’s largest ever survey shows that 99 percent of Australians indulge in junk food, and skimping on their vegetable intake though the fruit intake is on the higher note.

The 2016 CSIRO Healthy Diet Score canvassed the dietary habits of more than 86,500 adults across the country over a 12 month period.

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‘Women have better nutritional levels than men and one in three adults are avoiding one or more foods such as gluten, dairy or meat.’

“Generally our eating habits are something we don’t think about. We aren’t planning, we are buying a lot of junk food from supermarkets, and indulging in large serving sizes” CSIRO research director Manny Noakes said.

The study assessed compliance with Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, grains, meat and discretionary foods and beverages were recorded.

Of greatest concern is our consumption of junk foods, with just one percent of respondents turning their nose up at burgers, fries and alcohol. On the flip side, more than one-third admitted to eating more than the recommended maximum allowance.

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“While having junk food on occasion is part of a normal diet, it’s the amount and frequency that’s concerning,” Prof Noakes said.

“Some of the single serve muffins or doughnuts that are now available have portions that equate to half your daily intake. Portion sizes over the years has gone up, some foods are at least 30 percent bigger than they used to be. We need to try and downsize, eat slower and plan meals.”

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Women have better nutritional levels than men, scoring 60 out of 100 versus 56, and one in three adults are avoiding one or more foods such as gluten, dairy or meat.

Construction workers are among those with the poorest diets, while public servants, real estate agents and health industry workers reported some of the healthiest eating patterns.

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“It’s the culture of eating in particular workplaces that played an impact on the person’s diet score,” Prof Noakes said.

“For some workplaces, food and healthy eating is higher up in the pecking order. Health professions did well in their score, as did politicians and real estate agents. Those who would buy their own lunch were less likely to be eating healthy, mainly because of portion sizes.”

Prof Noakes urged Australians to “halve the bad and double the good”. “In other words, halve the amount of discretionary food you eat and double your vegetable intake,” she said.

Source-Medindia