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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What diet foods are recommended and safe to eat?

    Related Topic
    Weight Management
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    Melanie McGrice

    Dietitian

    Melanie McGrice is an Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian, one of the few dietitians in Australia to achieve that status. Her success has made her an … View Profile

    Personally, I think it’s a good idea to choose reduced fat/skim dairy products, but other than that, I’d rather see people focusing on nutritious foods than ‘diet’ foods.  Many ‘diet’ products are still high in kilojoules, and contain little nutrition or taste! 

    And, if you want a treat, have a smaller portion of the real deal, than a larger portion of something that just leaves you unsatisfied.

    Hope this helps!
    Melanie
    www.health-kick.com.au

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  • Mel Haynes

    Nutritionist

    Chef, Scientist and Nutritionist. I specialise culinary nutrition and disease prevention with plant based diets. www.culinetica.com.au View Profile

    Vegetables! best had raw but great cooked.  - Unlike money, diet food really does grow on trees (and on bushes and in the ground) 

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    Nicole Senior

    Dietitian, Nutritionist

    I'm an Accredited Practising Dietitian and Nutritionist, consultant, author, speaker and food and health enthusiast. I love talking and writing about food and health.(please note, … View Profile

    'Diet' products tend to be those with alternative sweeteners (like Nutrasweet, Sucralose Stevia etc) used instead of sugar and examples include soft drinks, cordials and yoghurts. All sweeteners used in Australia must be approved as safe before they can be added to foods, so all these products are safe to eat. The advantage of products with alternative sweeteners are they provide the sweet taste we all love but without the kilojoules, and they don't affect blood glucose levels.They're not necessary to lose weight, but they can provide a kioljoule saving and advantages for people with diabetes.

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    Melissa Adamski

    Dietitian, Nutritionist

    I am an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) with over 15 years’ experience working as a dietitian – advising both businesses and patients. I am founder … View Profile

    I completely agree with all great answers above. I see people who want to know which ‘diet’ foods they can eat (especially fat or sugar free foods) and unfortunatley they believe that means they keep eat large portions of these foods.

    Just becuase a product labels itself ‘diet’ or ‘fat free’ etc does not mean you can eat large portions- they may still be energy dense (high in kilojoules) which may hinder weight loss.

    Begin to learn how to eat nutritious foods in sensible portions instead of trying to find ‘diet’ foods you can eat in large amounts. This is a healthier way of approaching your relationship with food and you will find the weight starts to come off as your eating habits improve.

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    Joanna Baker

    Nutritionist, Registered Nurse

    Everyday Nutrition founder Joanna Baker has been working in healthcare for 2o years. As an Accredited Practicing Dietitian and a Registered Nurse, she has seen … View Profile

    Some great answers here!

    All food that is legally able to be sold in australia has been rigiously tested and is considered safe to eat. ‘Diet’ foods often contain artificial sweeteners which although safe for consumption are not as satisfying and there is some belief they actually stimulate appetite and people end up eating more as a result.

    Rather than focusing on ‘diet’ foods think about eating ‘whole foods’ these are nutritious and packed with nutrients required for the body to function at its best. Read the nutrition information and make sure you know what every ingredient is. By the way the fewer ingredients the better.
    If you are keen to lose weight look for:

    • lower fat and calorie options
    • eat smaller portions
    • eat regularly and include all food groups (espicially fruit and veg)
    • eat mindfully - ie sit at the table, cut, chew and enjoy and focus on your food

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