Your dietary intake and eating habits offers one of the most influential means of determining how you feel and perform on a daily basis.
By following some basic dietary principles, not only can you feel and function better, but you may also support your overall wellbeing.
Another Diet?
Healthy diets for all Australians
General guidelines we can all follow :
- FRESH IS BEST ! Always attempt to eat your food as close to its natural state as possible for maximum nutritional content
- Throughout each day, drink 1.5 litres of water – avoid energy, fizzy and sport drinks – they are full of sugar !
- Eat a wide variety of nutritious foods
- Breads and cereals (particularly wholegrain), vegetables, legumes (such as chickpeas) and fruit
- Drink coffee and tea in moderation – no more than 2-3 cups per day
Alternatively, switch to decaf or caffeine free drinks such as herbal tea that have positive effects on health - Drink alcohol in moderation – for adults only
- Limit wherever possible the intake of refined sugars (carbohydrates)
Refined sugars are found in junk-food, soft drinks, etc. - Australians have low intake of omega fatty acids
Aim to eat fish twice per week - Limit saturated fat intake (processed foods, fried foods, animal fat)
- Consume low salt foods and avoid adding salt to your food
- A good balance between exercise and food intake is important; this helps to maintain a healthy body weight.
- Exercising such as walking, swimming, riding etc. for 20 minutes per day, 3 days per week may help support your energy levels and overall wellbeing. MAKE THE START – it will become a habit before you know it !
How Much?
The volume you eat at a meal is essential too. Eat smaller meals, regularly spaced throughout the day when you are hungry. Overeating can slow you down, make you feel drowsy and force your body to stack on unnecessary weight.
Plan a better diet today, for a healthier tomorrow!
