Australia: Consumers on the hunt for more veg

Australian consumers have indicated that they want to incorporate more vegetables into their diets, according to research commissioned by the Dieticians 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 a healthier lifestyle.

“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,” said AUSVEG spokesperson Shaun Lindhe.

“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.”

“Vegetables not only give a nutritional boost to the body, but research has repeatedly shown that they play a key role in reducing the risk of developing various diseases such as diabetes or bowel cancer.”

AUSVEG is a horticultural body representing more than 9,000 Australian vegetable and potato growers.

The national survey, which targeted 1,230 Australians aged 18-64 years, 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.

“Home-cooked meals are an easy way for consumers to increase their vegetable intake, as they can have greater control of the ingredients that go into a dish and they can actively reduce the portion size of their meals,” Mr Lindhe said.

“Vegetable growers across the country offer many different, convenient options for busy consumers on the go so that they can cook nutritious meals with lots of veggies at home.”

“It is also a great opportunity for home cooks to get creative by testing out the wide range of vegetables available and enjoy the clean, fresh produce from Australia’s vegetable growers.”

“AUSVEG encourages consumers to take advantage of the high quality, locally-grown vegetables that are readily available for purchase throughout Australia.”

For more information:
AUSVEG
www.ausveg.com.au