Diet and healthy eating
Benefits of healthy eating
How you fuel your body has a big impact on how you feel. Eating a wide variety of healthy foods and limiting the unhealthy foods can actually make you feel happier because you will:
- feel more energetic
- maintain a healthy weight
- have stronger bones and muscles
- improve your concentration and do better at school, university or at work
- maintain healthy growth and development
- have a healthier heart
- sleep better
- feel good on the inside
- start good habits that will serve you well throughout your life.
Your nutrition
Eating healthy foods is easy once you understand what you’re putting in your body.
Try following these healthy eating tips and feel the difference. Eat a variety of nutritious foods from the 5 food groups:
- Grain (cereal) foods, mostly wholegrain, such as breads, cereals, rice, pasta, noodles, polenta, couscous, oats, quinoa and barley—these foods contain fibre to help you feel full longer
- vegetables and legumes/beans (e.g. kidney beans, chickpeas and lentils)
- fruit – including fresh, tinned or dried
- lean meat and poultry, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds, and legumes/beans —they’re full of protein and assist with muscle growth
- Yoghurt, milk and cheese and/or alternatives like soy products (mostly reduced fat) — which are full of calcium and great for bone health.
Remember to drink plenty of water—stay hydrated and keep your skin clear and healthy.
Foods you should avoid
Limiting the number of unhealthy foods you eat and drink can make a big difference to your health. Enjoy these foods sometimes:
- foods high in fat, salt and sugar like ice cream, cake, chocolates, lollies, pastries, biscuits, chips and take-away
- sugary soft drinks, cordials and fruit drinks—including sports drinks which have a sugar content
- processed foods.
Diet quiz
Check how your current eating habits score, and how to include more fruit and vegies in your diet.
