What are the Australian Dietary Guidelines?
The Australian Dietary Guidelines offer recommendations about food types, quantities, food groups, and dietary patterns that promote good health and well-being. These guidelines are developed by nutrition specialists who stay updated on the latest scientific evidence. Individuals can minimize the risk of nutritional diseases by shaping one’s day to day life according to these guidelines. This framework will aid all Australians to meet their nutritional needs while minimizing any health issues that arise from poor dietary habits.
Let’s focus on the updated Australian Dietary Guidelines that shape the nutritional value of one’s life.
Who should use the Australian Dietary Guidelines?
The guidelines need not be perfect or ‘spot on’ for any individual, because people all different – with contrastive health challenges and lifestyles. That’s where personalised nutrition advice from an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) can help.
The Guidelines are for use by:
- Health professionals
- Policy makers
- Educators
- Food manufacturers
- Food retailers
- Researchers.
Why do we need dietary guidelines?
A healthy diet enhances quality of life and well-being, and provides protection against chronic diseases. A proper diet is really important for the growth of infants, as well as in children. Unfortunately, diet-related chronic diseases are one of the leading causes of death and disability among Australians today. To ensure that Australians can make healthy food choices, we need dietary advice that is based on the best scientific evidence on food and health.
The Australian dietary guidelines and the Australian guide to healthy eating were developed using the latest evidence and expert advice. As such, these guidelines are foundational for preventing diet-related chronic disease while enhancing the health and wellbeing of the Australian community.
How to make healthy food choices?
Navigating through healthy food options is complex and is affected with a wide range of factors including taste, culture, and dietary philosophies. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) recognizes this diversity and provides dietary guidance based on the Australian dietary guidelines.
Here’s how you can align your diet with these guidelines for better health:
- Focusing on food packed with nutrients: Eat more vegetables, legumes/beans, fruit and whole grains. These foods not only provide essential nutrients but also prevent the development of chronic diseases.
- Reduce high-risk food: Foods that are high in saturated fats, added sugars or salts (like fried takeaways, pastries or sugary drinks) should not be consumed on a regular basis. These can add pounds and lead to diet-related diseases.
- Diverse Diet: Incorporate a variety of nutrient-dense foods each day to enhance your health and wellbeing.
Research shows that Australians require a higher intake of:
- Vegetables and legumes/beans(including soy)
- Fruits
- Wholegrain cereals
- Reduced fat milk, yoghurt, cheese
- Fish, seafood, poultry, eggs, nuts and seeds.
- Red meat (young females only)
Research shows that Australians require a lower intake of:
- Starchy vegetables
- Refined cereals
- High and medium fat dairy foods
- Red meats (adult males only)
- Food and drinks high in saturated fat, added sugar, added salt, or alcohol
- Sweetened drinks
When should you meet a Dietician?
One of the most important steps that one can take towards following optimal health, is knowing when to see a dietitian. Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs), who are Australia’s best qualified and most trusted dietetics professionals, are university trained and qualified to provide tailored, evidence based dietary advice. Here are some examples of when seeking the help of a dietitian might be helpful:
- Managing Chronic Conditions: A dietitian can help in developing a diet plan that accommodates an individual’s specific needs while aiding them in managing symptoms of any chronic illness or health condition.
- Personalized Nutrition Advices: Having a dietitian give you individualized guidance will help you achieve both full diet transformations and small health changes.
- Nutrition for elderly: For elderly individuals concerned about meeting their nutritional requirements, a dietitian can offer strategies to ensure a balanced intake of essential nutrients.
- Support for Long-term Health Goals: If you’re seeking professional support to maintain sustainable health practices, a dietitian can provide ongoing encouragement and adjust your plan as needed.
Conclusion
The Australian Dietary Guidelines offer essential guidance for achieving optimal health. By adhering to these guidelines and seeking advice from Accredited Practising Dietitians, Australians can significantly improve their dietary habits, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and maintain overall well-being.
