The Australian Diet

National Health Surveys show that 56% of the Australian population over 15 years report their overall health as very good or excellent (Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Health Survey: Summary of Results 2004-05. Canberra (2006)).

However, alarmingly 77% of Australians have one or more long-term health conditions (Australian Bureau of Statistics. National Health Survey: Summary of Results 2004-05. Canberra (2006)). Australia is experiencing an epidemic of overweight and obesity, and a concurrent trend toward fad diets that reduce or eliminate certain foods from the diet, meaning more and more people are not meeting their needs for essential nutrients.

For maintaining optimal health, it’s important to get the right amount of energy (kilojoules) from carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats in foods each day. The body also needs a good supply of all of the numerous vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, as each one has its own unique function within the body.

Many thanks to:
Sharon Natoli. BSc BND, Dietician, Food & Nutrition Australia. www.foodnut.com.au