(Australia-NewsWire.Com, October 18, 2012 ) Sydney, Australia -- In support of National Nutrition week, (14-20 October), Harvey Norman’s Connected Fitness team conducted a nationwide survey to find Australia’s fittest, healthiest state. The survey looked at respondents’ nutritional choices and activity levels, pitching state against state, revealing that Tasmania and South Australia can jointly claim to be Australia's healthiest states.
The survey discovered that 88% of respondents nationwide could correctly identify the number of portions of fruit and vegetables recommended for a healthy diet (two of fruit, five of veg), with 70% of respondents choosing to snack on fruit in preference to junk food. And when feeling thirsty, nearly 86% of respondents would choose a glass of water in preference to a carbonated drink.
Overall, 83% of respondents take the time to plan a healthy and varied menu each week, making sure their fridge is stocked with healthy choices, so they don’t find themselves reaching for the takeaway menu in the evening. In Western Australia, this figure rises to an impressive 91%, while an honest 20% of Australian Capital Territory residents admitted they would be more likely to microwave a ready meal instead.
A healthy 45% of respondents exercise three or more times per week and South Australia came out top here, with an impressive 57% of respondents working up a sweat three or more times weekly compared to 33% in Tasmania. The most popular exercise chosen was walking (19%), followed by running (15%). Weight training was the third most popular exercise (11%), ahead of swimming, cycling and team sports like footy, rugby etc.
46% of respondents indicated that they walk more than two kilometres in a typical day with a further 30% walking one to two kilometres daily.
Overall, Tasmanians are most comfortable with their current levels of health and fitness (33% answering they're ‘pretty happy’ with how things are), but as a nation, 55% of Australians would like to be fitter and healthier, with 22% admitting they need to improve their health and fitness levels, but struggle to find the necessary time or motivation.
Harvey Norman’s Daniel Hosford, says: “Harvey Norman is completely behind the aims of National Nutrition Week in promoting healthy nutrition and increased activity levels. We know it’s important that Australians take charge of their own health and fitness, but no one likes being lectured to, so we conducted this survey pitching state against state, as a fun way of highlighting these issues. We’d encourage anyone who wants to get more active to check out our fitness section for lots of ideas on how to reach their fitness goals.”
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