It’s Dietitians Week (20 to 26 March 2023) and we’re celebrating dietitians and the work they do each and every day to improve our health and wellbeing.
Many health conditions are caused or exacerbated by a poor diet, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, bowel cancer and lung cancer. Accredited Practising Dietitians are the most qualified people to support us with unique nutrition advice.
At last week’s Employee Wellbeing Forum, we were lucky enough to have Dietitians Angela Minnis and Rebecca Sampson join us to talk about ‘Nutrition for fruition’. The session was packed with information about best practices for nutritious and healthy eating, as well as strategies to implement the knowledge into our daily routines.
Here are two of the top takeaways from the ‘Nutrition for Fruition’ Employee Wellbeing Forum.
Good food = Good mood
Angela Minnis, who is a Dietitian with the Community Mental Health team, presented on the impact of the food we eat on our mood and mental wellbeing, as well as how our mood can impact our food choices.
“When we’re feeling irritable, low and lethargic, we often reach for comfort foods and quick foods like takeaway, soft drinks and chocolate. But when we’re feeling happy, we often find we’re eating a healthier diet. We’re more alert and active when we’re eating fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts, and more of those healthier snacks like yoghurt.”
Angela explained that food and mood have a strong relationship because our gut is part of the enteric nervous system, which communicates with the central nervous system via the gut-brain axis.
Inflammation, oxidative stress and gut microbiota can all influence messages between the gut and the brain.
Put yourself before fad diets
Rebecca Sampson, who is a Dietitian with the Pakenham Community Rehabilitation team, spoke to us about weight stigma and diet, and why it’s important to think of ourselves as a whole person rather than just a number on the scale.
“Studies have found the harmful effects of weight discrimination resulted in a 60% increased risk of death, even when body mass index was controlled for.”
People experiencing weight-based stigma may resort to fad diets, further impacting their health. Instead of adopting a fad diet, Rebecca suggested principles of nutrition drawn from ‘Blue Zones’ – communities with low rates of chronic disease.
“We need to look globally at where people are living the longest and healthiest,” Rebecca explained.
These communities incorporate exercise, a plant-based diet, and a sense of purpose in their daily lives.
You can watch the full forum here. And remember, if you see a dietitian this week, let them know how awesome they are!
Approved by Dani Ryan, Chief Allied Health Officer