Australia's Healthy Weight Week is a time for all Australian's to eat better, feel better and move more NOW!
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Why eat better, feel better and move more NOW?
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Being a healthy weight helps you live life to the full
Australian's are getting bigger
The number of overweight Australians is increasing with 7.4 million Australians now overweight. That's two thirds of adults and one quarter of our children that are now overweight and obese.
We gain weight when we eat more energy (kilojoules) than we use up through exercise or activity. Eating and drinking foods and drinks that are high in kilojoules or eating large amounts of food as well as being less physically active leads to weight gain.
There are lots of weight loss fads and gimmicks out there but in reality most people that lose weight from these types of diets regain their lost weight quickly, actually dieting themselves fatter over time.
We want to help you get it right. To lose weight, keep it off and be healthy and happy for life.
Successful weight loss needs a life-long commitment to a healthy lifestyle, including eating healthy foods and keeping physically active in a way that you can maintain and enjoy.
Eating better means:
- Eating at least two serves of fruit and five serves of vegetables every day
- Eating breakfast
- Choose wholegrain breads and cereals regularly
- Choosing 'reduced' fat dairy foods
- Choosing lean meat
- Limiting high kilojoule and high fat food and drink to once a week or less
- Eating smaller serves
- Drinking water
- Seeking the expert advice of an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD)
An Accredited Practising Dietitian is your diet coach - they can tailor an eating plan to your individual lifestyle and support and motivate you to make changes for life. Call, toll free, 1800 812 942 or visit 'Find an APD' at www.daa.asn.au to contact your local APD.
Moving more means:
- Being physically active for at least 30-60 minutes every day
- Enjoying a wide variety of physical activities
- Being active throughout the day - like walking to work or school, taking the stairs instead of the lift
- Spending less time sitting, for example, watching television or at the computer
- Choosing an activity or sport that suits your ability and fitness level
- Including gentle stretching
- Seeking the expert advice of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP)
An Exercise Physiologist can assess your fitness level and work out an exercise program that is safe and right for you. They can tailor the plan to your individual lifestyle and support and motivate you to make changes for life. To find an exercise physiologist visit the 'Find an exercise physiologist' feature of the Australian Association for Exercise and Sport Science (AAESS) website www.aaess.com.au
To find out more check out the 'Move More' section of this website.
