Many of us were taught at a young age that vegetables are nutritional superstars and that we should be eating at least five servings per day.
Key points:
- Experts believe that time constraints and cost are factors why some people are abandoning their healthy eating habits.
- Floods and prolonged wet weather in eastern Australia have caused the cost of some vegetables like iceberg lettuce to skyrocket.
- A Tasmanian non-profit organization has started a new project to provide a healthy lunch for students in 15 schools across the state.
But the latest report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) found that most adults do not consume the recommended amount of vegetables.
In fact, fewer than one in 10 adults eat enough vegetables every day: 96% of men and 87% of women do not eat enough vegetables.
So why has it gotten so bad?
There are several reasons why people don’t include enough vegetables in their diet, and experts believe our busy lifestyles are one of them.
“Vegetables aren’t so much a convenience food, if you’re on the go or looking for really easy portable options, they don’t tend to be the first thing people reach for,” said registered sports dietitian Gaye Rutherford.
“Time constraints can sometimes become a barrier to eating vegetable meals or snacks.”
The cost of fresh produce is also another reason why some people are abandoning their healthy eating habits, and in other cases it is due to a lack of access to fresh fruits or vegetables.
Floods and prolonged wet weather in eastern Australia have caused the cost of some vegetables like iceberg lettuce to skyrocket, adding to cost-of-living pressures.
Industry experts say that shouldn’t deter people from eating vegetables, but it does mean it’s more important than ever to buy what’s in season.
“There was a time when you didn’t see some vegetables due to seasonality,” said Ben Johnson, manager of Best Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Wholesalers.
“The situation in eastern Australia has pushed consumers and hoteliers to reassess seasonality, which will always be cheaper and fresher.”
So what is the solution?
Opting for canned or frozen vegetables is another way adults can fit their five servings of vegetables into their diet without spending a lot of money.
“You can make a big batch of tomato and chickpea soup using canned tomatoes and chickpeas for $2.”
Dieticians say that forming a strong relationship with healthy food at a young age is also important because it carries these good eating habits into adulthood.
“If you grow up having vegetables and having them available, then that’s what you choose,” Rutherford said.
“I grew up loving vegetables, and they remain a favorite food of mine.”
Non-profit organization whose goal is to help children try new foods
But a Tasmanian non-profit organization has recognized that not all children have the same opportunity and has started a new project to provide a lunch for students in 15 schools across the state.
“It’s building students’ confidence to try new foods and helping them be mindful of what they’re eating,” said Kirsty Grierson of School Food Matters.
And for any parent trying to put more vegetables on their kids’ plates, the way they’re cooked can make a world of difference.
“When I was first introduced to vegetables, they were always cooked and pretty gray,” said Julie Dunbabin of School Food Matters.
“It’s really important for kids to see that cabbage is actually a pretty bright green vegetable and cauliflower is a beautiful vegetable when cooked properly.”
Aware 1 hour ago1 hour agoThu Jul 7, 2022 at 7:25pm, updated 1 hour ago1 hour agoThu Jul 7, 2022 at 8:15pm
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