Department of Health
Territorians are being encouraged to eat healthier and make better-informed food choices during Smart Eating Week.
Top End Health Service Senior Public Health Dietitian/Nutritionist, Robin Lion, said more than two-thirds (67%) of Australian adults were overweight or obese.
Ms Lion said the number of Australians who were overweight or obese was expected to continue increasing.
"Smart Eating Week is a time to highlight small positive changes individuals and workplaces can make to benefit their health and the health of their community," Ms Lion said.
"Poor diet is the main factor behind the increases in the number of Australians who are overweight or obese. At this time of year, when so many people are trying to kick-start healthy habits, it's important Territorians are getting the right dietary advice.
"Smart Eating Week is about ensuring practical, evidence-based nutritional advice is promoted in the community by accredited practising dietitians."
Ms Lion said there were number of tips to aid smart eating. These included:
- choosing whole foods, such as whole grains, fruit and vegetables, for healthy nutrients without added extras
- beginning your day with breakfast to improve your concentration and boost energy
- working slowly towards your smart eating goals, because small changes are easier to make
Ms Lion has also recommended Territorians get information from Live Lighter as it contains valuable smarter eating tips as well as recipes and a free family meal plan.
The NT Department of Health's Healthy Choices Made Easy Guide also provides information on healthy foods workplaces can stock in their kiosks, vending machines and canteens to make the healthy choice the easy choice for their staff and visitors.
"Additionally, there is strong evidence that workplaces are effective settings for interventions involving nutrition and physical activity," Ms Lion said.
There will be two public events to mark Smart Eating Week. They are:
- Ms Lion will join with the City of Palmerston to host a lunchtime information session on smarter eating tomorrow from 12pm-12.45pm at the Palmerston Recreation Centre
- Katherine dietitian Hannah Lanham will host a pop-up stall in the Katherine Government Centre (ground floor) tomorrow from 12pm–2pm.
