Australians want to incorporate more vegetables into their diets, according to research commissioned by the Dietitians Association of Australia released to coincide with the launch of Healthy Weight Week.
The findings revealed that one in three respondents want to boost their vegetable intake to lose weight, with cooking at home highlighted as a key strategy to help those looking to live healthier lifestyles.
“There are many research projects that show Australian consumers are not eating the recommended daily intake of vegetables, despite the plethora of nutritional benefits that naturally come with them,” AUSVEG spokesman Shaun Lindhe said.
“The results from this survey indicate that consumers recognise the role that vegetables play in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but acting on this information is a key step to changing behaviour and avoiding old habits to achieve a well-balanced diet.”
The national survey, which targeted 1,230 Australians aged 18-64, also found that a quarter of respondents are aiming to reduce portion sizes and about one in five want to cook at home more to live a healthier lifestyle.