On the outside, Vancouver people may appear to be the healthiest in the country, but new research reveals a different picture when it comes to the food locals eat.

A recent online survey of around 500 people found more than half would eat late at night while 41% engaged in snacking between meals.

The research also discovered 37% over eat, almost a quarter often skip meals, while about 20% see slimness as a sign of fitness.

While many locals like to indulge in hiking and yoga, not much care or time is taken when it comes to consuming the right foods.

"I really think the one main thing is just the convenience of so many unhealthy foods being available," local fitness expert and nutritionist Don Gauvreau said of the anomaly.

"People also don't take the necessary time to plan and think about nutrition the same way they do about physical activity."

The proliferation of food trucks throughout the downtown core, however, is a step in the right direction because many offer healthy options.

"It's convenient and when people step out of their offices they have a chance to go to one of those food trucks before they have a chance to go to a convenience store and get an unhealthy option."