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Australia's Smart Eating Week

12 February 2018

Blog
Nutrition and dietetics
This week is Australia's Smart Eating Week - St John of God Frankston Rehabilitation Hospital Dietitian Steffie speaks about smart eating options.

Smart eating has a different meaning to everyone because we are all unique individuals and our health goals and lifestyles are different. But ultimately it is about nourishment and better health.

Accredited Practising Dietitians such as myself, provide nutrition advice that is based on science and know how to translate science into individualised, practical and holistic advice to optimise your nutrition.

One of my passions is to promote healthy bowels. We all know that fibre is good for us. But did you know that most Australians do not consume enough fibre? On average, most Australians consume 20-25g of fibre daily and we recommend adults to aim for approximately 25-30g per day.

What are the benefits of fibre?

  • Reduces the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes
  • Prevents weight gain and minimise risk of obesity
  • Prevents constipation

Simple ways to get more fibre into your diet

Making simple swaps

  • Swap white bread, pasta and rice for  wholemeal or wholegrain versions.

Pack it up with vegetables

  • Serve an extra spoonful of vegetables on your dinner plate
  • Chop up some delicious carrots and cucumber and have it with hummus dip as a snack
  • Have fun with your fruits
  • Make colourful fruit kebab
  • Start your day with a fruit smoothie

Make friends with your legumes

  • Beans and legumes such as kidney beans, baked beans, lentils and chickpeas are packed with fibre and fill you up, which helps with lasting weight loss

To keep your bowel healthy, don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids and regular exercise will help the guts to get moving too!