Prioritising healthy eating is an investment in your health now and in the future! Like physical activity, every choice adds up over time. Choosing a wide variety of nutritious foods every day from the five food groups contributes to quality of life, helps to maintain healthy body weight, protects against infection and reduces the risk of diseases, chronic conditions and some forms of cancer.
Get Organised
Take charge and get on track with your diet. Make a plan of meals that are healthy and realistic for you to prepare each week and plan your groceries, stick to your list and ensure you eat before you shop! Having a fridge and pantry stocked full of nutritious foods (and drinks) makes it so much easier when preparing meals. Use what groceries you have and take advantage of what is in season. Prepare meals ahead of time and freeze left overs to save time later.
Remember Breakfast
Choose to make breakfast before your leave the house. Start the day off on the right foot and get up early if you need time to prepare yourself (and your family) a healthy breakfast based on wholegrain cereal or bread, low fat milk or yoghurt, eggs, fruit and vegetables. Starting the day off with a healthy meal ensures our blood sugar is stable and we can tackle the day.
Eat Together
Let's bring back the family dinners at the table or take your meals outside and enjoy on the deck or grass. Meal time is all about family time, making a time to connect during our busy days to get on the same page and be aware of the food we are eating. Take a break from the TV or your phone and watch the sunrise or sunset instead, take some time out in nature and start (or end) your day well.
Evidence suggests Australians need to eat more:
- vegetables and legumes/beans
- fruits
- wholegrain cereals
- reduced fat milk, yoghurt, cheese
- fish, seafood, poultry, eggs, nuts and seeds
- red meat (young females only)
For further information on the Australian Dietary Guidelines visit eatforhealth.gov.au