Nutrition guidelines for adult N.Z.ers

Press, 27 September 1988, Page 21

Nutrition guidelines for adult N.Z.ers

The National Heart Foundation of New Zealand along with other health promotion agencies such as the Department of Health, the Nutrition Foundation, and the Cancer Society, believe that there are some basic suggestions (the nutrition guidelines for New Zealand), which, if all adult New Zealanders were to follow them, would improve the over all health of the country. These guidelines are: Eat many different kinds of foods every day. We are all built differently, have different lifestyles, like or dislike different foods — but one thing we have in common is the need to eat enough different foods to contribute to health and well being. and enjoyment of life.

Keep a healthy weight. If we balance our activities whether at work or play with the food we eat, then we will not , be hampered by being too heavy for health or comfort as we get older, and can continue to lead a full and active life. Choose food with fibre. Not because they are “good for us,” but because they are tasty, colourful (fruits and vegetables), take longer to eat (wholemeal bread), and keep us feeling full for longer

after a meal or snack. Eat less fat. This does not have to be a big deal. What about putting less butter on a thicker slice of bread, cutting the fat off your meat, having a smaller chunk of cheese with your bread? Eat less sugar. (Keep soft drinks, sweets and cakes for special occasions. Fresh fruit, plain popcorn, dried fruit and nuts (preferably raw) make good snacks. Fruit juice can be diluted with water (cheaper than drinking it straight). Eat less salt. New Zealanders need to eat some iodised salt. Most of us get our salt from the powdered stocks and flavour enhancers which we add to our food, or from salt added to the precooked or ready-to-eat foods we buy. This salt is not iodised. In order to eat less salt and protect our health at the same time, it makes good sense to usb some iodised salt in cooking and use smaller amounts of commercial flavouring agents. Drink less alcohol. Wine, beer or spirits drunk with food, or when used in moderation (1-2 standard drinks a day) adds to the enjoyment of meals and the company of friends. More alcohol than this does not add to our good health.