18 October 2011
Territorians are being invited to enjoy 'naked lunches' this Wednesday 19 October to celebrate Nude Food Day, a planned highlight of National Nutrition Week (16-22 October ).
"We want people to embrace the 'nude food' concept - the greater use of whole, fresh and natural produce that we ate before highly processed and over-packaged products began lining the shelves," DoH nutritionist Robin Lion said.
"While it may be hard to break the habit of pre-packaged convenience foods there are a few easy tips to help people prepare a 'nude meal' with a minimum of fuss," she said.
"Cut up vegetables and serve them with dip, or choose a variety of seasonal fruits for a delicious and vitamin-rich fruit salad. Try some new ingredients like cooked lentils and beans or chargrilled vegetables to make a multitude of tasty and interesting salads."
Last year more than half a million Australians went 'naked' in an effort to reduce their environmental footprint and improve their health for National Nude Food Day.
"This year we want to spread the nude food message even further with nutritionists from Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs visiting schools and organisations across the Territory to talk about nutrition and healthy living," Ms Lion said.
According to Ms Lion, it is important that children learn early in life about healthy food choices to avoid the onset of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease later in life.
"Encouraging children to try new, fresh and healthy food options while they are young sets them up to make good choices in adulthood," she said.
Australian childhood overweight and obesity rates are around 25 per cent making this lifestyle disease one of the leading health problems our society now faces.
"Dietary deficiency has also emerged as a leading health concern with 80 per cent of teenage girls and 40 per cent of teenage boys not getting enough calcium or magnesium," Ms Lion said.
"Boosting calcium and magnesium intake can be as easy as including some low fat yoghurt and a slice of cheese in the lunch box.
"When it comes to eating at home, healthy meals that are low on packaging and environmentally friendly don't need to cost the earth either. By following a few simple tips your family will be able to afford and enjoy plenty of fresh, healthy meals."
Tips for healthy, budget-friendly meals:
- Start by listing of all the meals you plan to cook for the next week, check what foods you have to buy and what you already have at home
- Keep to your shopping list and buy only what you need
- Vary your meals; meat can be expensive so plan a vegetarian meal once or twice a week
- Make double batches of casseroles, pasta sauces and other freezable dishes and save half for a day when you are low on time
- Get creative with children's snacks, be sure to include dried fruit, mixed nuts, yoghurt and vegetable sticks
- Drink plenty of water, it's good for your health and it doesn't harm your teeth
Media Contact: Sarah Keane-Stack 8999 2751
