Following the Australian dietary guideline? Learn how the Australia dietary guidelines have been specifically developed for better health and reducing the risk of diet related disease…
Australian dietary guidelines have been established by the NHMRC. These guidelines are for Australian adolescents and children as well as Australian adults. In fact, the program goes so far as to incorporate the infant feeding guidelines, which are to be utilized by trained health workers.
Core Function of The Australian Dietary Guidelines
These guidelines are developed on the best scientific evidence that provides good information for all health professionals as well as the regular population. The aim of the Australian dietary guidelines is to provide information about making healthy choices when it comes to food.
Encouraging Healthy Lifestyle
Not only do the guidelines encourage healthy lifestyle practices, but also persist in reducing the risk of getting any disease, which is related to diet. The main focus is on highlighting the food groups that promote good nutrition and overall health. Additionally, information regarding healthy lifestyle choices is promoted through the guidelines.
Food Groups for a Healthy Diet
The basic Australian dietary guidelines include a variety of choices in terms of nutritious foods. The main idea is to present nutrition in a healthy and enjoyable manner. Meals must be enjoyed and not considered a punishment through restrictions. It actually tries to re-train the human body and mindset to focus on having healthy items like fruits, vegetables and legumes.
The restriction mainly centers on processed foods that contain high amounts of sugars, fats and sodium along with other chemicals. Not only are these calorie dense foods, but they rank very low in terms of nutritional value.
The Australian nutritional guidelines also train people to eat more cereals. The preferences lie on unprocessed and unrefined forms of noodles, rice, pasta as well as bread. White bread and white refined flour, which is used in confectionery items is restricted to a minimum quantity.
Another food group that is highly popular and which must be consumed in a balanced manner with low doses of fat is the meat group. It includes lean cuts of meat, healthy and fatty fish for all the omega-3 acids and other benefits along with free range poultry. Grass fed beef is the best option for avoiding steroids and preservatives in the meat.
The other food group promoted by the Australian dietary guidelines is the dairy group and includes milk, cheese and yoghurt or alternatives to dairy. This is especially important for vegetarians or vegans.
Tip for Maintaining a Healthy Eating Pattern and Lifestyle
Other tips offered by the Australian dietary guidelines are to increase the quantity of water in the daily intake. There is also a focus on reducing saturated fats and reducing overall total intake of fats. It is suggested that foods low in salt should be chosen and the consumption of alcohol be limited to a minimum. Any food with added sugars should be consumed in moderation. This will result in prevention of weight gain and other diet related diseases.
Often care is not taken in preparation and storage of food, which could result in serious damage to the health. The Australian nutritional guidelines also focus on these aspects. Furthermore, it provides information on supporting and encouraging the practice of breastfeeding.
In fact, there is a strong focus on how social status affects nutrition and how one can manage healthy eating without it becoming a very costly affair. In all the Australian dietary guidelines offer a very comprehensive, yet practical, approach to healthy eating and great lifestyle choices.
