The CSIRO has found that Australians consume three times as much junk food as the recommended daily limit, resulting in a ‘C’ on the healthy diet score.
The eating habits of the nation were rated just 61 out of 100 due to the fact we simply eat too much junk food. Men indulge in consuming chocolate, soft drink and alcohol more than women. However, the news is better for retirees and those who work in the health care and education professions, who’s diet were found to be better than those who work in construction. The healthiest eaters live on the NSW north coast.
The CSIRO Healthy Diet Score assessed the eating habits of over 40,000 Australians against the Australian Dietary Guidelines. The participants were questioned on the variety, frequency and quality of the essential food groups they consumed, the responses to which were then compared to the intake of discretionary foods or junk food.
Perhaps not surprisingly given the above, we also do not eat enough fruits vegetables and dairy. Manny Noakes, CSIRO research director for nutrition and health said, “The scores are fairly unflattering. If we were handing out report cards for diet quality Australia would only get a C”.
Professor Noakes also said that junk food was becoming the norm, “This type of food is no longer just an indulgence, it’s become mainstream and Australians are eating it each and every day”.
Do you think you eat a balanced diet? Why not find your own diet score at CSIROdietscore.com
