The latest CSIRO Healthy Diet Score report has revealed that Tasmanian’s have the worst diets in Australia.
Despite having access to high-quality fresh produce, Tasmania is falling short in adopting a balanced diet.
The average diet score for Tasmanians is 54 out of 100, just meeting the national dietary recommendations.
CSIRO Research Scientist Dr Gilly Hendrie said although Australians are often perceived as fit and healthy, the low collective score shows that we just meet the pass mark when it comes to adopting the national dietary recommendations.
Simple changes, such as reducing discretionary foods, increasing healthy foods like fruit and dairy and adding variety with different vegetables, can lead to a healthier diet.
Discretionary or junk foods like alcohol, cakes, biscuits, chocolate and takeaway foods contribute significantly to poor dietary performance in Tasmania.
Only four out of 10 adults reported consuming three or more different vegetables at their main meal.
“The score is a stark reminder of the work that needs to be done to improve our eating habits and reduce the national waistline,” Dr Hendrie said.
