The Australian Diet Survey has revealed some concerning trends in the Aussie diet.
- Australians over eat discretionary foods. A massive 1/3 of our diet is discretionary food. We are simply eating way too much added sugar, salt, saturated fats and alcohol. Examples include takeaway foods, soft drinks, energy drinks, cordials, lollies, chips, pastries, cakes, biscuits. The problem is these foods are increasing our risk of diseases such as heart problems, overweight, diabetes and cancers.
What’s more, - Only 1 in 10 Australians eat enough dairy foods including milk, cheese and yoghurt. Dairy foods are an important source of calcium, important for strong healthy bones. If you are unable to consume dairy foods, a calcium fortified soy milk is the next best option.
- Only 4% of Australians eat enough vegetables. These nutrient power houses are packed with vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants – all keep our bodies working in good condition.
- We don’t eat enough fruit and wholegrain cereals.
We challenge our readers to go free of discretionary foods for one or two days a week. This means cutting back on processed foods and drinks. Choose only foods from the 5 core food groups:
- Lean meat, eggs, fish, poultry, eggs, tofu nuts and seeds, legumes
- More vegetables – legumes, roasted chick peas or fava beans, crudites, pickled vegetables, olives, vegetable soups, salads
- Fruit, including avocadoes
- Yoghurts, cheese, milk and alternatives
- Grain foods including cereal, Wholegrain breads, fruit loaf, pop corn
- Drink more water