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NutritionThere is increased focus on food and nutrition in today’s society. Guests and staff at your tourism facility will expect healthy food choices to be readily available. Healthy menu options can be great tasting, simple to prepare, cost effective and attractively presented. Additionally, it may be necessary to prepare food for those with special dietary needs from time to time.
Healthy Food and Nutrition Links
Nutrition Australia has a range of great menu suggestions, as well as fact sheets and recommended publications for good nutrition in children, teenagers and adults. They list Accredited Practicing Dietitians (APD's) who can be contacted for detailed information on diet and nutrition. The Dietitians Association of Australia (WA Branch) [Tel: (08) 9444 5127] prints a "Nutrition Manual" with comprehensive information on a range of special diets, including menu suggestions for each. A useful addition to any commercial kitchen.
Dietitians Association of Australia now has a 'Smart Eating' section on their website which gives general nutritional information as well as recipe ideas and a dietary self-assessment tool.
Foodwatch also has some great recipe ideas, as well as tips on how to read (and interpret) food labels.
National Heart Foundation offers detailed information regarding 'The Tick Program', including which products are the best to purchase. It also looks specifically at cardiovascular disease (heart disease) which includes risk factors such as high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Healthy Eating Club is full of general nutrition information as well as on-line tools to assess body mass index, physical activity and food variety. There is also a special section for children.
Formula for Life is packed with healthy living ideas including a diet analysis tool, recipe ideas and a special section vegetables (availability, nutrition, storage, preparation etc).
Special Dietary Requirements
Where guests or staff have specific dietary requirements it is important to gather as much information from the individual as possible (including suggestions from their own dietitian/nutritionist if possible).
The following websites and references may also prove useful:
Diabetes Australia provides basic information on diabetes (Type1, Type 2 and Gestational), as well as links to the websites of the state branches of Diabetes Australia, and the International Diabetes Institute.
The Gut Foundation contains a basic overview of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (eg: ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease), diverticular disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, indigestion/heartburn, milk allergy/intolerance and colorectal/bowel cancer. There is also information on how to order publications relating to these issues.
The Coeliac Society of Australia website looks at coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformus. Both of these conditions require lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet.
Professional Nutrition Information
The Dietitians Association of Australia lists Accredited Practicing Dietitians (APD's) who can be contacted for detailed information on diet and nutrition.
"Eat Well Queensland 2002 - 2012: Smart Eating for a Healthier State"
A strategy designed to improve the health and well-being of all Queenslanders through better food and nutrition.
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