Mindful of that pure diet

Mindful of that pure diet

Nutrition apps, fruit and vegetables delivered to your door, beetroot juice and breakfast in schools. Much has changed for the better in the food and nutrition world in the last few years - so why are we still eating badly? Why are we getting fatter?

Dietitians from all over the country are joining together this week to deliberate what more needs to happen.

Mindfulness is a key theme. “We want people to enjoy food, and have a healthy relationship with it. It’s time to stop the guilt and food-shaming,” says Angela Berrill, Registered Dietitian.

“We want Kiwis to focus on enjoying more healthy foods (like vegetables, fruits and whole grains), and less chips, sweets, sugary drinks and energy-heavy takeaways. But we also know people follow advice more easily when it’s personal and meets their individual needs. Strict food rules and dietary restrictions may lead to ‘Orthorexia’ or an obsession with healthy eating and anxiety surrounding ‘slipping up’.

“When people become anxious about food in this way they may believe they are eating better, but they may not be healthier at all. Fads and food obsessions can lead to restrictive diets that are missing vital nutrients. People’s social lives can also suffer as they focus all their efforts around food and how they can stick to their dietary regime.”

Dietitians want people to turn their backs on food ‘fads’ and ‘bans’, unless there is a clinical reason to do so. They also recognise that we are all different – some of us are struggling with our waistline, some are struggling to get enough of the nutrients we need and others have allergies to foods that are hard to avoid.

Dietitians work one-on-one with people, considering their individual needs and preferences.

Maintaining a healthy relationship with food means not only eating quality food for good health, but recognising it is an emotional and social part of our lives too.

WHAT: Creating a brighter future: Dietitians National Professional Development Meeting

WHEN: 28th – 29th August 2015

ENDS

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