National Nutrition Week calls to eat more vegetables

“We’re lucky that we have several resources out there that show you can easily incorporate cheaper vegetables that we can cook in bulk for our family, as well as make affordable, healthy and fresh meals,” Mrs Watson said.

“We want to show people that it’s possible to make a range of quick, simple, easy-made meals at home. With the meals only needing some preparation in advance.”

While Mrs Watson would like to see many of her clients’ diets improve, she acknowledged that busy lifestyles and tight budgets drove poor-quality diets for many residents.

“The cost of living has increased. We have seen that across all areas, such as utilities, school fees and healthy eating,” she said.

“I think many people are getting busier and busier, and takeaways are becoming much more accessible, particularly in country areas.”

Fellow dietician Lucy Eishold shared her thoughts on the week.

“Less than 20 per cent of Australians are reaching their daily recommended vegetable intake,” Ms Eishold said.

“A variety of different coloured vegetables will provide an assortment of nutrients.”

Here are some facts to consider during National Nutrition Week:

• 91 per cent of Australians are not eating the recommended five-plus serves of vegetables each day.

• Diets rich in fruit and vegetables have been shown to protect against high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.

• Every vegetable you eat means that you’re investing in your health.

“We have a range of websites with some delicious meals along with recipe ideas for families they will love,” Mrs Watson said.

REDHS dieticians work out of the Elmore site, located on Jeffrey St.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 5484 4465.