Fact Files : Characteristics of a healthy eating plan

1. Promotes slow weight loss.
We often want to lose weight quickly however we know through research that the most effective way to lose weight and keep it off is to lose the weight slowly. How much weight loss we should lose week to week will depend on the person. Shape, weight and the ability to exercise all has an influence on rate of weight loss. A dietitian can help you to develop realistic goals and expectations in your weight loss plan as well as teach you the difference between change in kilograms and change in body size measurements eg. Waist circumference.

2. Has no gimmicks & promises no magic.
We all wish there was a magic pill or potion to help us achieve what we want. The truth is there isn’t any such thing around and if a weight loss program or product sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Healthy weight loss is all about the right balance of healthy eating and exercise.

3. Uses foods which are nutritious, readily available & can be incorporated into normal meals & snacks.
For a healthy eating plan to be successful for you it must fit into your lifestyle. If you are a busy person with work or family/friends or both then you need easy meals and snacks that suit your lifestyle. Many convenience meals and products are very energy dense as opposed to nutrient dense. A dietitian can help you to choose the right products for you and design a meal plan based on your life and surroundings.

4. Has a good balance of carbohydrates & protein with low levels of fat.
A true healthy eating plan incorporates a wide spectrum of food from different food groups. These foods should come together in your diet to provide you with a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. The Australian guide to healthy eating is a great resource for getting you going in ensuring your diet contains all of your nutrition requirements.

5. Can be adopted (with slight changes) for life.
For a healthy eating or weight loss plan to be successful in the long term, it must suit you and your life. At Food • Body • Life we develop meal plans based around what you currently do, making only small changes at a time. If you would like to change your eating plans for life, it helps to change your habits slowly so you’re more likely to stick to it.

6. Encompass Lifestyle Change
If you have decided that you would like to change your eating habits it helps to support this change with other lifestyle changes such as an increase in exercise, and/or leisure time, more relaxation strategies, or whatever you feel you need in order to enrich your life.

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