Sugar

Sugar is a carbohydrate and provides a source of energy. Sugar can take many forms including white, raw or brown sugar, honey or corn syrup. Too much sugar in the diet can contribute to health problems including obesity and tooth decay. These articles provide general information about healthy eating tips from our dietitians.

“Extra” foods

November 26, 2016 By Belinda Elwin

We tend to think of “extra foods” (now referred to as discretionary foods) as chocolates and cakes and lollies but it actually extends further than that. A discretionary food is any item that has a high saturated fat/ added sugar/ added salt content or very low fibre content and is not necessary for good health. Many people are also quite lenient with their extras and consider one serve of that item (One whole scroll, one whole burger, one … [Read more...]

Setting SMART Goals for healthy lifestyle changes

June 1, 2016 By Belinda Elwin

Making healthy lifestyle changes can be really difficult. We form habits that become ingrained in our daily routines and we depend upon them to maintain our mood and functioning. For example, many people depend on their morning coffee in order to feel as though they can function at work. Similarly, it may affect your mood and functioning if you miss your afternoon “treat” – a common occurrence to combat that afternoon slump. We all say we will … [Read more...]

The Unwanted Side Effects Of Viewing ‘Food Porn’

March 30, 2016 By @entwellbeing

Food has become a huge trend and the photos splashed all across social media, magazines and TV are more tantalising than ever. Many people will spend an hour getting the perfect photo of their meal before actually eating it. However, how does this actually affect us psychologically? Not something we really tend to think about but research has shown that it can actually impact our weight! So I was surprised when I came across … [Read more...]

Easter nutrition tips!

March 23, 2016 By Belinda Elwin

It seems like Christmas has just passed and we’re finally getting on track with healthy dietary patterns when Easter appears out of nowhere – another opportunity for over indulging for 4 or so days! In fact, the indulgences will likely draw out over coming weeks due to the abundance of chocolates received and the need to ‘get them out of the house’ as quick as possible which results in the consumption of copious amounts in short time … [Read more...]

Sugar and Fibre in Cereal

March 23, 2016 By Belinda Elwin

Choosing a nutritious cereal can be tougher than it seems. Many of them are marketed to sound as if they are extremely healthy choices – focusing on the positive aspects only and neglecting the less desirable qualities. Unfortunately, the majority of cereals out there have had sugar added and it’s not always noticeable. Many people are shocked to find out the sugar content of some common, seemingly harmless cereals. Sugar isn’t the only aspect … [Read more...]

Sugar in food

February 24, 2016 By Belinda Elwin

About sugar in food The sugar in food can come from natural sources (fructose or lactose) or it can be added to products by manufacturers. Natural sugars have their place in a healthy diet but we still need to ensure we don’t over consume them. Added sugars don’t offer us any health benefits and we should try to limit them as much as possible. We easily get enough sugar in our diet from natural sources like milk and fruit and it can be very … [Read more...]

Pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes

November 24, 2015 By Belinda Elwin

Type 2 diabetes was originally seen in individuals over the age of 45. However, it is now becoming very common for people much younger to be diagnosed. This is likely due to the changes in our lifestyle behaviours such as diet and sedentary behaviour. The pancreas The pancreas is located behind the stomach. It plays a vital role in regulating our blood sugar levels as it is responsible for the production of insulin. The cells that produce … [Read more...]

A toddler with type 2 diabetes

October 30, 2015 By @entwellbeing

Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle related disease that is influenced by excess weight, diet, inactivity and family history. This disease was once seen in mainly the older population but due to changes in diet and exercise we are now seeing younger generations affected and at a rapid rate. A case study of a 3-year old girl with type 2 diabetes--thought to be one of the youngest ever people to present with the condition--is presented at this year's … [Read more...]

Oral health and nutrition

October 6, 2015 By Belinda Elwin

Nutrition is vital in maintaining good oral health and/or preventing further damage. This link seems obvious yet many people still do not acknowledge the impact diet has on dental health. You only get one set of adult teeth and they will go through a lot of wear and tear so it is a good idea to take good care of them! Taking your oral health for granted can result in unpleasant procedures and discomfort later in life. When the health of a … [Read more...]

What affects appetite

August 11, 2015 By Belinda Elwin

Your hunger and appetite are subject to control by many complex factors. Scientists have learned a lot about how the appetite mechanism works. This article provides general information about what affects appetite. Let’s take a look at several factors that are now known to influence appetite. 1. The amount of sleep you get Many people don't realise that their sleepless nights may also be affecting the food choices they make during the day. … [Read more...]