DAA says young women need to change the way they eat

Young women encouraged to change their eating habits by the DAA as more and more people face the battle of the bulge.

New research from the Dieticians Association of Australia (DAA) shows that more and more young women are making pledges to lose weight – in fact 64 per cent of female Aussies between the age of 18 and 24 will have started the year by vowing to change the way they eat.

Australia Day is just around the corner and the DAA believes that our national day is the perfect time to put your New Year's resolution to the test.

Lisa Renn, a spokesperson for the DAA said: " ‘There is nothing more Australian than celebrating Australia Day. But with so many Australians battling their weight, it pays to take control of what you’re putting in your mouth."

Her comments come on the back recent studies which show that young women in particular are putting on weight at an alarming rate.

But rather than lecture individuals on the importance of a balanced diet the DAA is looking for new ways to help young women make smart choices when it comes to food and exercise.

"Young women are often in a hurry and can fall into a habit of eating take-away foods or snacking on unhealthy foods and drinks," said spokesperson for the DAA professor Clare Collins.

Ms Collins suggested that rather than blaming individuals for not eating nutritious meals, it is important for health experts to look at the different social and economic factors that influence what on the surface appear to be personal choices.

She said that a recent Newspoll survey of about 200 young women found that the time it takes to prepare a healthy meal and the cost of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats were important factors when it came to dietary choices.

Despite this an estimated 76 per cent of women said they were 'very good' or 'good' at preparing nutrient rich food, while most participants enjoyed cooking.

Yet some people still need to learn the basics of a well-thought-out diet and according to the DAA this means cutting back on skipping meals and eating portion sizes that aren't "too big".

Professor Collins also offered her top weight loss tips encouraging women to keep a food diary, ditch fad dieting, making the switch to healthier drinks, shrinking portion sizes and increasing fresh fruit and vegetables intake.

Australia's Healthy Eating Week (January 22 to 29) kicks off this week with the aim of changing the national diet one person at a time.

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