HCF's Health Agenda - Nutrition Hub

How to eat well for less

Eating well doesn’t have to be expensive. Forget pricey ingredients and choose seasonal produce and ingredients that can make your meals stretch further.

5 ways to help your child eat better

If you have a fussy eater it can be difficult to know what to do. We asked a dietitian for help on dealing with picky eaters, from the toddler stage to the teenage years.

7 quick and healthy at-home lunches that aren’t a sandwich

Need some lunch idea inspiration? Reward your palate and boost your energy levels by choosing from these 7 alternatives to sandwiches.

Healthy food swaps for the festive season

Keeping up healthy eating and drinking habits over the festive season can be tricky. Here’s how to stay on track without spoiling the fun.

ULTRA-PROCESSED FOODS: WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS?

Ultra-processed foods are everywhere these days. But what exactly are they? We explore the health risks and offer simple, heathier food swaps.

Are you getting enough iron?

As nutrients go, iron is up there as one of the most essential – but many of us struggle to get enough. Here are some iron-rich foods and a refresher on why you need them.

How to cut down your average sugar intake

Many of us eat a lot more than the recommended sugar intake. Here’s how to eat less sugar without giving up your favourite sweets.

FOOD FOR MENTAL HEALTH: WHAT’S GOOD FOR YOUR MIND?

We look at the connection between nutrition and your brain and reveal five nutritious foods that can help boost your mental health.

Is red meat bad for you?

Experts agree: eating too much red meat is bad for you, and there are benefits to a vegetarian diet. Find out how to develop a more balanced diet.

Food and Your Mood: How what you eat directly affects your brain

Do your brain a favour and reach for a handful of mood-boosting foods – think nuts instead of donuts! Here’s how to improve your mood with food…

Food allergies in babies: the latest approach

Introducing your child to common allergy-causing foods early could actually help prevent a food allergy.

Is your coffee addiction ruining your sleep?

Find out if that extra daily coffee is causing chaos with your sleep habits.

Understanding food labels and nutritional information

If you're wanting to make healthier food choices, understanding food labelling and nutritional labels is an important first step. Here are some ways to increase your nutritional know-how and shop smarter.

How to fix 7 common diet mistakes

Diet advice can be confusing and even conflicting. We asked 2 dietitians about the most common diet mistakes they see and their advice for staying on track.

IS THERE MORE TO HYDRATION THAN DRINKING WATER?

Staying hydrated is important for maintaining muscle and brain performance and general health. But it’s not just about counting cups of water each day. Here are some key ways to keep hydrated.

VISCERAL FAT: HEALTH PROBLEMS BENEATH THE SURFACE

While hard to see from the outside, hidden or visceral fat can cause health problems. Here are the signs.

HEALTHY EATING AFTER 50

Did you know that your food needs change as you age? Read our tips to help keep your bones strong, heart healthy and weight steady.

Are you eating too much salt?

Although salt packs a flavour punch, too much of it can be bad for your health.

HOW MANY KILOJOULES DO YOU NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT?

Experts explain what kilojoules are, where you should get yours from and how many you need to maintain or lose weight.

Foods that can boost your immunity

9 foods to help you eat healthy this winter.

ARE MILK ALTERNATIVES HEALTHY?

If you can’t, or choose not to, drink cow’s milk, your options include almond, coconut and oat milk. But are they good for you?

ARE CARBS BAD FOR YOU?

Carbohydrates get a bad rap – but choosing the right type can actually boost your health and aid weight loss.

FASTING – DOES IT REALLY HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT?

Various fasting diets claim you can lose weight, improve your health and potentially extend your lifespan. We find out what the evidence is.

HOW MUCH PROTEIN DO YOU REALLY NEED?

The so-called protein revolution has seen this macronutrient given top billing in human nutrition. So what is protein, which foods contain it, and can you have too much of a good thing?

What are wholefoods?

In a world of trending diets and food fads, don’t forget the benefits of simply eating wholefoods.

Does it matter what time you eat?

You may have heard the popular adage “breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dinner like a pauper”, but is it true?

THE TRUTH ABOUT SOY: IS IT GOOD FOR YOU?

With soy consumption on the rise, we look at whether it’s actually healthy.

Do you have a food intolerance?

For many Aussies, certain foods can pose problems to our wellbeing. Here’s how to tell if you could have a food intolerance, and steps you might take.

SHOULD TEENAGERS DRINK COFFEE AND ENERGY DRINKS?

From flat whites to energy drinks, Australian teenagers drink a surprising amount of caffeine. Here’s how it affects their health.

ARE YOU DRINKING TOO MUCH?

Whether you’re having a cocktail with friends or winding down with a cold beer at home, alcohol often feels like a normal part of life. But are some of us drinking too much?

Detoxing: the path to wellness or waste of time?

Detoxing devotees believe the practice cleanses the body, and can promote weight loss. Does the science support these claims?

The dirt on clean eating

We see the term 'clean eating' everywhere – in celebrity interviews, Instagrammed breakfasts, podcasts and diet books – but what does it mean, and is it healthy?

The facts about sugar

Sugar has been getting a bad rap lately. Is it really that bad? How much is ok? We look beyond the headlines to the science of sugar.

Raising vegetarian or vegan kids

Saying no to animal products is on the rise, but is a vegetarian or vegan diet suitable for children?

Are superfoods really super?

The labels can promise everything from heart health to weight loss, but are these claims research-based or just clever marketing?

6 common diet myths, busted

When it comes to diet and nutrition, there are plenty of misconceptions out there. We sort fact from fiction to help you stay on track.

Doctors prescribing vegies for better health

Most of us still aren’t eating enough vegetables. Now some doctors are driving the message home by writing vegie prescriptions.

What’s gone wrong with our diet?

Statistics don’t lie. We’re gaining an unhealthy amount of weight – and it’s all down to the average Aussie’s eating habits.

7 hidden side effects of sugar

Rising obesity levels and prevalence of type 2 diabetes are highlighting concerns about sugar. Here’s why you should address your sugar habits.

Healthy diet or food fad?

If you’re confused about the health benefits of the latest popular diets here’s what you need to know.

How to grow your own vegetables

Nothing beats eating food fresh from your own garden or balcony, and it’s something kids can help with too.

10 ways to make eating vegetables appealing

If there’s someone in your household who hates vegies here are some ideas for making them tastier.

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This communication contains information which is copyright to The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Ltd (HCF). It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, HCF does not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on this website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. HCF members should rely on authoritative advice they seek from qualified practitioners in the health and medical fields as the information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website.

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