Good health means we can live to the full and reduce our risk of diseases such as diabetes and heart disease as we grow older. What we eat throughout life is important in achieving good health – here are some simple guidelines to help you.
Eating a variety of foods in suitable amounts from all four food groups will go a long way towards meeting your daily nutritional needs. This info is based on the Ministry of Health’s recommendations. Which foods and how much is explained below:
Kiwi adults should choose foods, drinks and snacks lower in fat, salt and added sugar. Use cooking methods such as grilling, baking or microwaving instead of frying.
Adults need to drink enough fluid each day to ensure regular trips to the toilet, around 6-8 glasses. Fluids such as water, milk, tea, coffee and sugar-free soft drinks are good choices. Fruit juice, energy, soft and sports drinks have a high sugar content, so should only be used drunk occasionally in small amounts. Don’t forget you also get fluid from food, such as fruits and vegetables.
Alcohol in moderation can be an enjoyable part of a balanced diet, but may have a strong dehydrating effect, so should not be considered part of your daily fluid intake. The Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC) recommends no more than 15 standard drinks of alcohol per week for men or 10 standard drinks for women*. This means a daily limit of 3 standard drinks for men, and 2 standard drinks for women, with a ‘standard drink’ being 100ml glass of wine, 330ml can of beer and 30ml measure of spirits. If you are choosing to drink alcohol, check out our alcohol page for more information. (* All these recommendations are intended for those 18 years old and over).
Being active is important in maintaining a healthy body. It is recommended adults have at least 30 minutes of ‘moderate intensity’ physical activity on most, if not all, days of the week, and if possible add some vigorous exercise for extra health and fitness. Our physical activity page gives examples of ‘moderate’ and ‘vigorous’ activities and has ideas on how to be more active in everyday life.
Last modified: April 8, 2022