Dietary Guidelines for Adults in Australia (2003)

Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods

• Eat plenty of vegetables, legumes and fruit
• Eat plenty of cereals (including breads, rice, pasta and noodles), preferably wholegrain
• Include lean meat, fish, poultry and/or alternatives
• Include milks, yoghurts, cheeses and/or alternatives. Reduced-fat varieties should be chosen, where possible
• Drink plenty of water.

and take care to

• Limit saturated fat and moderate total fat intake
• Choose foods low in salt Limit your alcohol intake if you choose to drink
• Consume only moderate amounts of sugars and foods containing added sugars.

Prevent weight gain : be physically active and eat according to your energy needs

Care for your food : prepare and store it safely

Encourage and support breastfeeding

These guidelines are not in order of importance.

Each one deals with an issue that is key to optimal health.

Two relate to the quantity and quality of the food we eat-getting the right types of foods in the right amounts to meet the body's nutrient needs and to reduce the risk of chronic disease. Given the epidemic of obesity we are currently experiencing in Australia, one of these guidelines specifically relates to the need to be active and to avoid overeating.

Another guideline stresses the need to be vigilant about food safety, and, in view of the increasing awareness of the importance of early nutrition, there is a further guideline that encourages everyone to support and promote breastfeeding.