Are you one of the thousands that have already thrown their New Year's resolutions to be healthier out of the window already?
Well, Australia Healthy Weight Week, 22-29 January, is the perfect time to get back on the bandwagon, with a host of more than 50 events around the country to help you achieve your weight goals — and beat chronic disease.
What does eating better mean?
Eating better doesn't mean quick fixes and fad diets, it means making changes that you can actually stick to, that will have a big impact on your overall health and wellbeing for life.
The Dietitian's Association of Australia (DAA) has come up with diet and exercise strategies to keep you on track, and give a solid understanding of how to eat better in the long term, including nutrition tips and information on how to read food labels .
They also address the many pitfalls of healthy weight management — we're talking about the real things to contend with on an everyday basis, including things to consider when eating out, and the dos and don'ts of fast food and takeaway.
Start today
Forget the new year, Monday, or next week — there's really never a better time to start getting healthy than right now!
Here are some of the DAA's most practical tips for successful weight management that you can start immediately:
- Choose a variety of foods including plenty of breads, cereals, fruit and vegetables; moderate amounts of reduced fat dairy foods and lean meats or alternatives; small amounts of polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats and oils.
- Hunger is the best guide — eat when you feel hungry and stop when you are full. Be aware of eating when you are bored or eating out of habit, rather than when you are hungry. Keep a food diary to find out when this may be happening.
- Some foods should be eaten occasionally rather than every day. These include many takeaway foods (especially those that are deep fried), pies, chocolates, sweets, pastries, biscuits, cakes and chips. It is OK to enjoy these foods once in a while.
- Aim for at least 60 minutes or more of moderate physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week for weight loss. Thirty minutes of planned activity and 30 minutes of lifestyle activities should be the aim.
Make a pledge
During Healthy Weight Week, the association is encouraging everyone to make a posting pledge on their Facebook wall, as part of your personal commitment to a healthier lifestyle. You could also win a free visit to an accredited practicing dietitian.
Also follow them on Twitter for the latest updates and to find out about events happening around you.
Watch the video above for more healthy lifestyle changes
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