australian guide to healthy eating Flashcards
(12 cards)
the australian guide to healthy eating
it is intended to be used by consummers to assist them in planning, selecting and consuming adequate porpotions of foods from the five food groups.
* a visual tool that reflects the recommended dietary advice detailed in australian dietary guidelines 2 and 3
* five wedges, each representing one of the five food groups, representing guideline 2
* the size of each wedge reflects the proportion of each food groups
* consume plenty of water
* healhier fats (mono and poly unsaturated)
* consumed only sometimes and in small amounts, representing guideline 3
* doesn’t provide information on serving sizes, and comprosite foods (those containing foods from a number of different groups such as pizza or a casserole.)
strengths of the australian guide to healthy eating
Strengths:
* Simple, Visual Format:
The AGHE presents information in a clear and visual way, making it easy for people of all ages and literacy levels to understand healthy food choices. The plate diagram helps individuals see the recommended proportions of food groups at a glance.
- Promotes Balanced Eating:
The guide encourages a balanced diet by representing all five food groups and discouraging the consumption of discretionary (sometimes) foods. This helps people make healthier choices that can prevent chronic conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
limations of the australian guide to healthy eating
Limitations:
* Lacks Cultural Specificity:
The AGHE provides generalised advice and may not be culturally inclusive. It doesn’t always reflect traditional foods eaten by people from diverse cultural backgrounds, which can reduce its relevance and effectiveness for those populations.
- No Serving Sizes Included:
The AGHE shows food group proportions, but it does not clearly state the recommended number of serves for different age groups or activity levels. This can lead to confusion about how much of each food group to consume.
appyling the australian guide to health eating to healthy eating
The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating helps improve healthy eating by visually showing the recommended proportions of the five food groups, encouraging variety and balance in the diet. It helps individuals reduce intake of unhealthy, discretionary foods and promotes better food choices by making healthy eating easier to understand and apply in everyday life. This supports overall health and can reduce the risk of diet-related diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
applying the AGHE to reducing type 2 diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
The AGHE encourages consumption of high-fibre, low-GI foods like vegetables, wholegrains, and legumes, which help regulate blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity. It also advises limiting discretionary foods such as sugary snacks and drinks, reducing the risk of high blood sugar levels and the development of type 2 diabetes.
applying the AGHE to reducing obesity
By promoting appropriate proportions of the five food groups and limiting foods high in saturated fat, sugar, and salt, the AGHE supports a balanced, nutrient-dense diet. This can help individuals manage their energy intake, reduce excess weight gain, and maintain a healthy body weight, thereby lowering the risk of obesity.
applying the AGHE to reducing CVD
The AGHE encourages intake of heart-healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and wholegrains, which are low in saturated fat and salt. These choices can help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both major risk factors for heart attacks and strokes. Limiting processed foods and alcohol, as shown in the discretionary section, also supports heart health.
applying the AGHE to reducing osteoporosis
Osteoporosis
The guide includes a core food group for milk, yoghurt, cheese and/or alternatives, which are excellent sources of calcium. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing bone density loss, a key factor in the development of osteoporosis. Choosing fortified options can also increase vitamin D intake, supporting calcium absorption.
applying the AGHE (type 2 diabetes) health status
Osteoporosis
The guide includes a core food group for milk, yoghurt, cheese and/or alternatives, which are excellent sources of calcium. Calcium is essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing bone density loss, a key factor in the development of osteoporosis. Choosing fortified options can also increase vitamin D intake, supporting calcium absorption.
applying the AGHE (obesity) health and wellbeing
Improving Outcomes for Obesity
By promoting a balanced diet and appropriate food group proportions, the AGHE helps individuals make informed food choices and avoid overconsumption of energy-dense foods. This supports healthy weight management, reduces the risk of obesity, and in turn lowers the risk of related complications such as type 2 diabetes and CVD. A healthy weight improves self-esteem, contributing to mental and emotional health and wellbeing.
applying the AGHE (osteoporosis) health and wellbeing
The AGHE includes dairy and alternatives, which are rich in calcium, essential for maintaining bone strength. It also encourages foods fortified with vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption. This reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis, especially in older adults, and promotes better mobility, independence, and physical health and wellbeing.
applying the AGHE (CVD) health status
The AGHE limits foods high in saturated fat and salt, which are linked to high blood pressure and high cholesterol, two major risk factors for CVD. It encourages lean proteins and fresh vegetables that support heart health, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This leads to fewer hospitalisations and premature deaths, improving health status at both individual and population levels.
