Nutrition

We spend a lot of time eating in our lives.

It should be easy and enjoyable as its fundamental to our wellbeing.

So, how has it all got so complicated?

If you are, like many people, unsure of what to believe when it comes to diet, nutrition, nutrients and what’s healthy, then you are in the right place.

As a Member we have tried to answer anything you may want to ask in this section.

Each article is written in clear concise language so you don’t have to be an expert (you can leave that to us!) And we don’t just give you information we give you practical easy steps to implement the changes you want to.

Each Nutritional topic contains a Kids View which provides practical advice on how to address the nutritional requirements of children.

All the information in this section has been written and checked by Accredited Practising Dietitians, your nutrition experts. You can trust that it is based on sound science and is up to date.

To help prioritise which topics could mean most to you they will appear on your Reader List based on your profile as a Member. You can read about the Reader List in AdLife InfoLink.

If there is anything we haven’t answered for you can as a Member, click on “Ask a question” in the Nutrition and Healthy Weight Gateway.

Food Group

The food groups… you may have learnt about them at school or you may have seen them depicted on a pyramid or a plate.

• What do you know about each group?
• How much do you need of each one?
• What nutrients do they provide?
• Why should you eat more of some than others?

These questions and many more are answered in this section.
As a Member you will get vital information on the role the nutrients from these food groups play in allowing your body to function optimally. Topics include

• Water
• Extra Foods
• Breads, Cereals, Rice, Pasta, Noodles
• Milk, Yoghurt, Cheese
• Meat, Fish, Poultry, Eggs, Nuts
• Fruit
• Vegetables, Legumes

Healthy Eating

Healthy eating and regular physical activity, are the must haves for life fitness and health as recommended by Heart, Diabetes and Cancer groups.

But what is healthy eating anyway?

Healthy eating is more than just vitamins, minerals and energy, it’s more than just what you eat.

Healthy eating starts with planning and shopping and it includes cooking.

Healthy eating is also about how often you eat, there’s no point having one great meal a day and starving or ignoring your hunger for the rest of the day.

Healthy eating includes your drinks too.

Healthy eating isn’t about being perfect, it’s having a healthy balance of everyday foods and sometimes foods.

That’s right, an occasional well earned, thoroughly enjoyed (no guilt attached) treat is a must!

It’s getting the balance right that counts.

As a Member you will see how healthy eating is as much about how you eat as what you eat. Topics include:

• Drinks: Healthy options
• Eat Regularly: Needs & benefits
• Energy and Nutrient Density
• Fibre Diet: Sources + benefits
• Healthy Cooking
• Metabolic Rate: Explained + tips
• Sometimes & every day foods
• Vegetarianism

Nutrients

There is a lot of terminology and jargon in the world of nutrition. 
Most of it surrounds nutrients; it may be related to a new scientific finding or why something is particularly beneficial. 

You might find it tricky to know your amino acids from your omega 3’s or your cholesterol from your saturated fats, but not us!

We’ve done the reading, checked our facts and we’re bringing you the lowdown on nutrients.

As a Member topics in this section include:

• Antioxidants
• Caffeine
• Dietary Calcium: You need it.
• Omega 3: Sources + Benefits
• Salt (Sodium)
• Zinc
• Iron sources: Needs explained
• Plant chemicals: Sterols, Phytochemicals
• Alcohol: Standard drink explained
• Carbohydrate
• Cholesterol Sources: Management tips
• Protein
• Fats explained: Good & bad

 

 

Good Health