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An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Aussies reveal the top foods they believe will help them live to 100

MyFitnessPal

Sydney, Australia, 27 June,  2025 – Australians are on a quest for longevity, with many believing the secret to living to 100 lies in what’s on their plate, according to new research from leading nutrition and food tracking app, MyFitnessPal. Yet, while nearly seven in 10 respondents believe fruits and vegetables will make them live to 100, most struggle to meet their daily recommended intake.

Despite widespread awareness of the link between diet and longevity, less than 5% of Australian adults meet the guidelines for recommended daily serves of fruit and vegetables, while many diets remain high in alcohol, takeaway food, and confectionery.

Based on the survey conducted by MyFitnessPal, the most popular foods Australians surveyed think will help them live to 100 include:

  • Fruits and vegetables 

  • Healthy fats (e.g., olive oil, avocado) 

  • Lean protein (e.g., fish, legumes, tofu) 

  • Whole grains 

  • Blueberries and other antioxidant-rich berries

Nutritionist, Longevity Expert and MyFitnessPal ambassador, Michaela Sparrow said, “While it’s a positive sign that Aussies are aware of the correlation between fruit, vegetables, good fats and quality protein with living a long and healthy life - the key challenge often comes from maintaining a diet that integrates all these food groups consistently.” 

“Ensuring you are hitting your daily protein targets, starting from having a nutritious breakfast, free from pre-packed foods for example, is a great first step in building healthy habits that support good results in the long-term,” added Michaela.

Some habits, however, are simply too hard to give up. Coffee and chocolate topped the list of must-have treats, with 40% of Australians surveyed unwilling to forgo coffee and 39% determined to keep chocolate in their diets, regardless of any health impact. While many strive for better health and longevity, the findings highlight the gap between intention and action—reinforcing that for Australians surveyed, balance, not strict restriction, is the driving force behind their food choices. The top 5 foods Australians surveyed would never give up include:

  • Coffee (40%)

  • Chocolate (39%)

  • Cheese (29%)

  • Eggs (28%)

  • Chicken (28%)

“Your daily food choices are one the most powerful health tools you have. Even small changes, like adding an extra serving of vegetables, will compound over time and can have a positive impact on your health and lifespan, ” added Michaela Sparrow.

“Longevity shouldn’t be about cutting everything out. The goal ultimately isn’t to live simply on kale and water - it’s about developing habits and a way of eating you can actually sustain across the different stages of life; one that includes whole foods but still makes space for the occasional treat at times. Australians should strive to build consistency and better habits, not chasing perfection.” continued Michaela. 

To discover how MyFitnessPal can help you track the foods that nourish both your body and soul, visit www.myfitnesspal.com or download the app for free via the App Store or Google Play.


Key Facts:

  • Approximately seven in 10 Australians surveyed believe that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help them live to 100, according to new survey findings from leading nutrition and food tracking app, MyFitnessPal.

  • Despite the country’s overwhelming passion for health and wellness, there’s some indulgences Australians surveyed refuse to give up. Coffee (40%) and chocolate (39%) top the list of must-have food and drinks, no matter the health impact.

  • The majority of Australians surveyed believe that longevity and wellness aren’t just about diet, it also comes down to quality sleep and regular exercise, among other factors.

 


About us:

About MyFitnessPal

MyFitnessPal is the #1 global nutrition and food tracking app founded in 2005 with a mission to help people around the world reach their health goals through better food choices by providing knowledge, motivation, and a sense of progress. Supporting nearly 1 million people in reaching their nutrition and fitness goals every year and with a community of over 280 million members in over 120 countries, MyFitnessPal offers members one of the world’s most comprehensive nutrition and food tracking platforms, allowing them to track their food, create personalized and goal-driven meal plans, record exercise activity, and log their weight. With one of the largest food databases in the world comprising over 20 million foods, access to over 2,000 recipes, and over 35 connected fitness partners, MyFitnessPal provides members with the tools for positive healthy change. 

 


Contact details:

For more information about MyFitnessPal, contact: [email protected]