You may have heard the phrase 'You are what you eat'. The food and fluids you put into your mouth influence the way your body works. With the right balance of nutrients each day, your body functions at its best. Choosing a variety of nutritious foods and fluids will ensure your body receives everything it needs for optimal health energy levels and performance.

In Australia, over 60 percent of adults and 25 percent of children are overweight or obese as a result of lack of exercise and poor nutrition (Magarey et.al.2001). Carrying too much extra body fat, particularly around the abdominal area, can increase the risk of a number of chronic health problems such as stroke, coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, osteo-arthritis, kidney and gallbladder disease, sleep apnoea and some cancers (AIHW,2002). Maintaining a healthy weight and good nutrition can help prevent the development of chronic disease and improve the quality of the life you live.

Although many Australians need to lose weight and have better nutrition, there are still over one third who stay fit and healthy through regular exercise and healthy eating habits. If this sounds like you, then it is important to choose a mix of foods that provide adequate fuel with enough nutrients to meet the demands of regular exercise. 
In today's environment we are busier than ever before and many of us are suffering from ongoing tiredness. The food and fluids you consume have a direct impact on energy levels, and eating well will help you to feel more fresh and alert everyday. Being healthy and active also enables you to cope better with stress and may reduce the risk of depression.

3 simple actions each day can help get you started towards better nutrition:

Drink plenty of water
Eat 2 servings of fruit
Eat 5 servings of vegetables
It sounds easy, but putting it into practice can sometimes be a challenge! By increasing your knowledge of different foods, their basic nutrient content and preparation techniques it is possible to eat tasty and healthy foods everyday. By making your health a priority, it becomes easier to introduce and maintain positive lifestyle change - there is nothing stopping you, so make a start NOW!

Nutrition is about Balance & Variety