food groups

Weight loss tips approved by experts

Weight loss: A female sportsperson with black plastic water bottle doing sport outside in the countryside. (Getty Images)

Use weight loss tips that are realistic and sustainable. (Getty Images)

With messages of ‘getting fit for summer’ cropping up everywhere, it’s common for weight loss to enter our minds at this time of year. But with ‘fad’ or ‘crash’ diets being both unhealthy and unsustainable, we’ve compiled a list of expert-approved tips for those wanting to lose weight. Find the hacks that feel right for you…

1. Calculate your BMI

Male on weight scale on floor background, Diet concept.

When working out your BMI be mindful of other factors. (Getty Images)

First up, before you even think about making changes, you can use the body mass index (BMI) calculator to find out whether you’re a healthy weight for your height. Measure your waist as well, to check you’re not carrying too much fat around your stomach, which can increase your risk of disease, type 2 diabetes and strokes.

BMI results

  • If you’re a ‘healthy weight’ you should

Read the rest

Mediterranean diet shown to be good for health and also the weekly budget

We’ve heard it time and time again – the Mediterranean diet is great for our health. But despite the significant health benefits of this eating plan, a common deterrent is often the expected costs, especially when budgets are tight.

Mediterranean diet shown to be good for health and also the weekly budget

Image Credit: University of South Australia

Now, new research from the University of South Australia shows that the Mediterranean diet is not only good for your health but also for your weekly budget, saving a family of four $28 per week (or $1456 per year) compared to the typical Western diet.

The study compared the nutrition profile and weekly costs of three food baskets based on: the typical Australian western diet, the Mediterranean diet, and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE).

It found that the Mediterranean diet and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating met recommendations for food groups, macronutrient distribution and key micronutrients associated with good health, but

Read the rest

Good for your health and your wallet, says study

Mediterranean diet
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

We’ve heard it time and time again—the Mediterranean diet is great for our health. But despite the significant health benefits of this eating plan, a common deterrent is often the expected costs, especially when budgets are tight.

Now, new research from the University of South Australia shows that the Mediterranean diet is not only good for your health but also for your weekly budget, saving a family of four $28 per week (or $1,456 per year) compared to the typical Western diet. The research is published in the journal Nutrients.

The study compared the nutrition profile and weekly costs of three food baskets based on: the typical Australian western diet, the Mediterranean diet, and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE).

It found that the Mediterranean diet and the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating met recommendations for food groups, macronutrient distribution and key micronutrients

Read the rest

How 10 Popular Eating Plans Rank, According to Cardiologists

<p>Getty Images / miniseries</p>

Getty Images / miniseries

Fact checked by Nick Blackmer

  • A new review analyzed 10 of the most popular diets regarding their heart health benefits—only one received a perfect score.

  • Diets that focused on plant-based protein, fish, and lean meats as main protein sources were ranked higher than diets that included more red meat.

  • Experts recommend finding a diet that is healthy and sustainable to keep up; a diet you cannot stick with won’t get you very far, no matter what health goals you’re striving toward.

A new study analyzed 10 of the most popular diets regarding heart health benefits—one diet received a perfect score, with the subsequent nine ranging in benefit levels.

A different diet is trending almost daily, but if you’re looking to improve your heart health, which one do you choose? The internet and social media are full of misinformation that is confusing for consumers and patients.

Read the rest