Nutrition

Last Updated on Monday, 15 March 2010 14:19

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Here are some basic but key points that are essential in maintaining a nutritious diet.

1. Balance is the key to a good diet, not cutting out whole nutrient groups. Carbs, fats and protein are all necessary and good for you.

2. Following the food pyramid is a straightforward model for basic, healthy eating.

3. Healthy weight loss occurs by reducing overall calorie intake, while maintaining a balanced diet, and increasing exercise.

4. Dieting is not an answer to maintaining a healthy long-term weight. Only consistent changes to lifestyle will achieve this goal.

5. Good information about health and nutrition comes from government public health organisations, such as the Ministry of Health and District Health Boards, not from people who market ‘revolutionary’ diet plans.

6. Being thin is not the same as being healthy. There are good and bad ways to lose weight. Plenty of people who might not match media stereotypes about body image are fit and healthy.

7. Fresh whole foods, rather than processed or refined foods provide the best nutrients. For vegetables, frozen are generally as nutritious as fresh.

8. Good food will provide vitamins and minerals while delivering macronutrients (fats, carbohydrates and protein). Junk food does not do this and should only be eaten occasionally.

9. Any confusion over nutrition or any major changes to diet should first be discussed with your GP or practice nurse.

10. People’s diets and lifestyles are a part of who they are, and might be chosen for health, religious or ethical reasons.