“Eating poorly can affect your energy levels (and) your mental capacity for work and school,”

Ms Lengkong said.

“In the long term, poor eating habits can lead to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.”

Ms Lengkong was talking about the 2011/12 Victorian Population Health Survey statistics that show Ballarat residents consume 2.2 per cent less fruit and vegetables than their Melbourne counterparts, while our obesity levels are 2.2 per cent higher.

The region also has a far higher rate of consuming soft drink.

“From a community point of view, it’s hard to say stop drinking sugary drinks,’’ she said.

“Maybe we need to have a policy point of view where we develop healthy eating protocols.”

Ms Lengkong suggested having other drinks available in schools and workplaces, including flavoured water or iced water with fruit.

“We need to make a healthy life much easier.”

She also said the five vegetables and four fruits rule per day can be hard to achieve, but adding vegetables at lunchtime could help.

“Add some salad to your sandwiches or vegies to pasta,” she suggested.

She said her workplace had a communal fruit bowl, which encouraged healthy eating.

At home, Ms Lengkong suggested cutting up fruit for dessert with low-fat custards or growing your own fruit and vegetables.

“Australia generally over-eats saturated fats and over-dense foods, which can lead to hypertension.

“Eat things in moderation and have them as a treat. Be mindful of what you’re eating, because we often eat because we’re bored.”

She also said salt intake needed to be reduced to help lower blood pressure. “Use herbs and spices to season food instead. It takes 14 days until taste buds change, so persist.”