With all the information out there about health and nutrition, it is easy to feel like the guidelines are always changing and hard to know which foods are considered healthy, and which are not.
LiveUp, a healthy ageing initiative funded by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, says the good news is that you will feel healthier and happier eating a range of foods.
Referring to a 2016 study, LiveUp says focussing too much on food rules can negatively impact your happiness. The best diet is one personalised for you and your body, as everyone is different and what’s good for one person may not be good for another.
Research shows that humans are adapted to eat a wide variety of foods, but not the Western diet of processed foods. Overwhelmingly, people tend to have higher rates of obesity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer when their diet is high in processed foods, meat, refined grains, and added fat and sugar.
As you age, your lifestyle and appetite can change. This may affect the type and amount of food you eat. A smaller appetite, or reduced ability to buy and prepare healthy foods, can also affect the vitamins, minerals, and fibre intake you need.
If you don’t get the nutrients you need, you may begin to feel unwell or end up malnourished. If you already have poor health or a chronic condition, this could get worse. A diet that supports healthy bones is particularly important as you get older.
If you have any medical conditions, you should consult a health professional before making dietary changes. Your doctor may refer you to a dietician, who will help you manage health conditions and can review blood or other tests to make an eating plan for you.
Healthdirect provides detailed information about dietitian services available in Australia. This includes the costs of seeing a dietitian and options for reducing the cost. You may also be eligible for a Medicare rebate as part of a disease management plan.
For more information and other resources, visit https://liveup.org.au/
