NOVA is a food-classification system based on four levels of processing, from minimally processed to ultra-processed foods (UPFs). Whole-grain-containing commercial breads and ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are considered ultra-processed within NOVA, despite being considered core foods in the Australian Dietary Guidelines. These food categories contribute the greatest quantities of whole grain in the Australian diet, although consumption is less than half of the 48 g/day daily target intake. Dietitians are key to disseminating messages about nutrition and health; therefore, an accurate understanding of whole grains and the effects of processing is critical to avoid the unnecessary exclusion of nutritionally beneficial foods. The aim was to utilise an online structured questionnaire to investigate dietitians’ attitudes to the promotion of grains and whole grains and understand their level of knowledge about and attitudes towards NOVA and the classification of specific whole-grain food
Yes, eating breakfast really is important. So how can parents help kids to eat this important meal, without making it the most irritating part of the morning?
Background: Out of school hours care (OSHC) is the second largest childcare setting in Australia. In OSHC, the types of foods and beverages offered, physical activity levels, and policy environments are relatively unknown. This thesis aimed to a) describe the current healthy eating and physical activity environments, b) examine the environmental factors associated with meeting dietary guidelines, c) investigate environmental factors associated with children achieving at least 30 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA), and d) examine how healthy eating and physical activity (HEPA) policies were associated with staff practices and child physical activity. Methods: A cross-sectional, observation study was conducted to explore the HEPA environments within a sample of 89 OSHC services across two local health districts within New South Wales (NSW). Direct observation was used to document the food and beverages offered, kitchen facilities and weekly food menus. HE
Although Australians spend an estimated $3.1 billion a year on dietary and vitamin supplements, there is now plenty of evidence multivitamins do not work for people who do not have a vitamin deficiency.