Ninety three per cent of university students do not eat the recommended serves of fruit and vegetables, according to research conducted in the University of Newcastle. The research targeted this group because they are in a key time to cement healthy eating habits to set them up for a healthy life.

Researcher and Accredited Practising Dietitian, Melinda Hutchesson said, “Eating healthy foods is a lot cheaper than many students think. For example, apples are 60c per 100 grams compared to a chocolate bar which is around $4.30 for the same amount.”

Dr Hutchesson stated that not knowing how to cook is a big barrier to healthy eating. She also called on universities to provide healthier options on campus in shops and vending machines, with affordable prices.

The research findings urge all students to make an effort to meet the target of a couple of pieces of fruit and five serves of vegetables a day, where a serve is one cup of salad or a half a cup of cooked vegetables.

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