A Patch of Blue

The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating is consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Australians (1991) the Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents (1995) and the Dietary Guidelines for Older Australians (1999).

These guidelines were developed to inform the general public about healthy food choices. The guidelines focus on a healthy lifestyle rather than specific nutrients and aim to reduce the risk of diet related diseases.

There are dietary guidelines for different age groups. For example, children and adolescents focus on areas of relevance to infants, children and adolescents.

Dietary guidelines for Australians

1. Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods.

2. Eat plenty of breads and cereals (preferable wholegrain), vegetables (including legumes) and fruits.

3. Eat a diet low in fat and in particular, low in saturated fat.

4. Maintain a healthy body weight by balancing physical activity and food intake.

5. If you drink alcohol, limit your intake.

6. Eat only a moderate amount of sugars and foods containing added sugars.

7. Choose low salt foods and use salt sparingly.

8. Encourage and support breastfeeding.

Guidelines on specific nutrients include:

* Eat foods containing calcium. This is particularly important for girls and women.

* Eat foods containing iron. This applies particularly to girls, women, vegetarians and athletes.

Dietary guidelines for children and adolescents

1. Encourage and support breastfeeding.

2. Children need appropriate food and physical activity for normal growth and development. Growth should be checked regularly.

3. Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods.

4. Eat plenty of breads and cereals, vegetables (including legumes) and fruits.

5. Low fat diets are not suitable for young children. For older children, a diet low in fat and in particular, low in saturated fat, is appropriate.

6. Encourage water as a drink. Alcohol is not recommended for children

7. Eat only a moderate amount of sugars and foods containing added sugars.

8. Choose low salt foods.

9. Eat foods containing calcium.

10. Eat foods containing iron.