Nutrition

Good nutrition is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and for optimum vitality and energy.

The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating recommends people consume a variety of foods across and within the five food groups and avoid foods that contain too much added fat, salt and sugar. The Guide aims to promote healthy eating habits throughout life, and is designed to suit most healthy people, however may not be suitable for people with certain health problems. For individual advice consult your doctor.

The Guide aims to encourage the consumption of a variety of foods from each of the five food groups every day in proportions that are consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Australians. The five foods groups are:

• Bread, cereals, rice, pasta, noodles
• Vegetables, legumes
• Fruit
• Milk, yoghurt, cheese
• Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, legumes

It is expected that small amounts of unsaturated fats and oils will be consumed with breads and cereals but additional fats and foods such as cakes, biscuits, hot chips and sugary drinks should be consumed only occasionally. In addition limiting your intake of alcohol is advised.

• Eat a well balanced diet containing a variety of nutritious foods is also important to:
• Reduce your risk of chronic disease
• Prevent premature death
• Boost your immune system
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Delay the effects of aging
• Enhance your ability to concentrate

Your local Community Nutritionist based at Health Promotion Connections facilitates a range of community based nutrition education programs. Complete the form on our Bookings page if you would like to register your interest in local programs or contact your Community Nutritionist on 4786 5941 for more information.