While Aussies may think they are across their health and fitness needs, new research reveals Australians are not as clued up as they could be when it comes to important nutrients.
New findings, from a survey commissioned by number one global nutrition and food tracking app MyFitnessPal, show that only a quarter of Australians (25%) are aware of their ideal protein intake, while an additional three in four are unaware of how to track their own intake.
“Protein is one of the three primary macros, in addition to carbohydrates and fat, that form the basic building blocks of good nutrition. It’s concerning, but not all that surprising to see just how much Aussies really know about their ideal intake,” said fitness coach and ambassador for MyFitnessPal, Luke Hines.
Nutrition tracking apps, like MyFitnessPal, provide opportunities for people to learn about macros and their own healthy consumption levels. In fact, by integrating daily physical activity, body weight, height, and gender, regular users are able to better understand their ideal protein intake.
Australia is an active nation with the research showing over two thirds of Australians exercising at least once a week. Interestingly, the research found that two in three regular exercisers do not know the ideal protein intake to support their exercise regimen.
A balanced diet with adequate protein receives essential amino acids that are critical for various bodily functions. Those who don’t meet these needs are less likely to reach their health and fitness goals as easily as those who do.
“Our bodies require a specific amount of protein not only to build and repair muscles and bones, but also for energy. In general our protein intake is already varied between gender, weight, and height, but it changes again depending on how frequently one exercises, and what their goals are,” added Luke.
“Seeing just how active Australian women and men truly are, it is important that education around protein intake starts now so that as a nation, we are consuming the nutrients we need,” continued Luke.
Despite the findings that show two in three people are trying to improve their macro intake, an overwhelming 80% of Australians are not tracking, or learning how to track their consumption.
Someone who understands the importance of good nutrition is 32-year-old triathlete Brett Hallam from Sydney’s Inner West who said, “Being passionate about triathlons as well as my sports science background, I’ve always been very aware of the impact of nutrition on health and performance. However, I have even struggled to work out exactly how much protein I need in my diet.”
“As a triathlete and coach, I like to practise what I preach so that I can get the most out of my training. When you leave it up to guessing and manual calculation, it’s easy to give up, so tracking my food through MyFitnessPal has been a big part of that,” said Brett.
MyFitnessPal allows users to track their macros, including protein, carbohydrate and fat intake, as well as a range of vitamins, minerals and calories. The app advises users on their personal recommended intake of protein and other macronutrients based on their weight, height, and health goals.
Australian’s can track their protein intake for free, by downloading the MyFitnessPal on the Apple App Store, Google Play and other android platforms.
Key Facts:
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New research reveals nutrition knowledge gap among Aussies with only a quarter aware of their ideal protein intake
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Protein is one of three primary macross that form the basic building blocks of good nutrition
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MyFitnessPal ambassador Luke Hines expresses his concern over findings with a lack of consumption meaning Aussies are less likely to easily achieve their health and fitness goals
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Nutrition tracking apps are key to bridging the gap, with apps like MyFitnessPal providing opportunities to learn and understand individual healthy protein intake
Contact details:
For more information about MyFitnessPal, contact: myfitnesspal@iconagency.com.au
