Guidelines Dietary - Eat For Health

Based on current consumption data, to meet recommended food group intakes 9 adults would require a 30%increase in grain (cereal) foods, comprising a 160% increase in current wholegrain consumption and a 30%decrease in refined grain (cereal) food consumption. For children over the age of 4 years, 20–60% more wholegrainfoods and 10–30% less refined cereal foods would be required to meet recommended intakes. 9 Refined grain(cereal) food products with high levels of added sugar, fat (in particular saturated fat) and/or salt, such as cakes andbiscuits, are classified as discretionary foods and are not included in the grain recommendation. While these canbe included in small amounts in Total Diets with higher energy (kilojoules) allowances, for the Australian populationas a whole their intake would need to be reduced substantially.Guideline 2The suite of models which informed the update of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating 9 and companion resourcesallows for variation in choice and amount of grain (cereal) foods to accommodate a range of cuisines. A variety ofgrain (cereal) food choices allow for different forms of dietary fibre and starches (complex carbohydrates). Reading thelabels on processed grain (cereal) foods such as rice and pasta is important, to check that added sodium, sugar and/orsaturated fat are kept to a minimum.Pregnant and breastfeeding womenAs periconceptional folic acid intake helps protect against neural tube defects in the developing foetus, 482 themandatory fortification of flour used for bread making in Australia with folic acid 483 provides an additional reasonfor women of reproductive age to consume bread. However, for women planning a pregnancy and during the first3 months of pregnancy, a daily folic acid supplement that contains at least 400 µg of folic acid is recommended inaddition to eating foods that are naturally rich in folate or are fortified with folic acid. 483,484Pregnant and breastfeeding women have increased iodine requirements. As most leavened bread in Australia ismade with iodised salt, this contributes to total iodine intake. However, this does not replace the need for iodinesupplements (150 µg/day) for women planning a pregnancy, throughout pregnancy and while breastfeeding. 323InfantsIron-fortified cereals can be one of the first foods offered to infants at around 6 months of age.Older peopleA high intake of wholegrain forms of grain (cereal) foods may not be well tolerated if there is a problem withdentition. Softer varieties such as finely milled wholemeal bread and/or other fibre-enriched foods maybe suitable.People with vegetarian or vegan dietary patternsWholegrain foods are valuable sources of nutrients for the whole population but particularly important invegetarian and vegan diets as a source of iron and zinc.2.4 Enjoy lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts andseeds, and legumes/beans2.4.1 Setting the sceneLean meats and poultry, fish, eggs and plant-based alternatives such as tofu, legumes/beans, nuts and seeds arean important component of Australian cuisine, culture and lifestyle. The ‘lean meats and alternatives’ food groupis diverse, both nutritionally and biologically. The foods in this group have traditionally been seen as ‘protein-rich’,but they also provide a wide variety of other nutrients that may be more important in the typical high-proteinAustralian diet. Important nutrients include iodine, iron, zinc and other minerals, vitamins, especially B 12, andessential fatty acids including omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (omega-3 LCPUFAs). All indigenousAustralian fish contain omega-3 LCPUFAs. 485,486 Grass-fed meats, poultry and some eggs are also sources of theseessential fatty acids. Evidence of the health benefits of lean meats and alternatives is consistently recognised ininternational dietary guidelines. 35,36,198,36048EAT FOR HEALTH – australian dietary guidelinesNational Health and Medical Research Council