The Central Australian Health Service (CAHS) dietitians are throwing their supporting behind Alice Springs locals to help them live healthy lives, through smart eating.

The call comes as hundreds of Accredited Practising Dietitians across the country join forces to launch Australia’s first Smart Eating Week, from 12-18 February.

Public Health Dietitian, Sophie Wright-Pedersen said the Smart Eating Week message is straightforward: take the opportunity to connect with your local Accredited Practising Dietitian for practical, evidence-based, and personalised nutrition advice and support.

“Let’s face it, because we’re all unique, with our own health challenges, goals, and lifestyle, ‘smart eating’ will mean different things to different people, and how we go about achieving it will be different too,” she said.

“That’s where guidance and support from an Accredited Practising Dietitian comes in.”

Miss Wright-Pedersen said a national Omnipoll survey of more than 1,200 Australian adults, commissioned by the Dietitians Association of Australia, shows almost nine in 10 (85%) people trust the advice of a dietitian[i].

“Our advice is solid and trustworthy, and this matters to many Australians. Like other health professionals, we base our advice on scientific fact, have high professional standards and are accountable for the nutrition advice we offer,” said Miss Wright-Pedersen.

Dietetic services in Alice Springs and surrounding areas are available at the following locations: Healthy Living NT (for those with diabetes and/or a cardiac condition), Dietetic Outpatient Service at Alice Springs Hospital, Central Australian Aboriginal Congress and Remote Outreach Teams for various communities around Alice Springs.

To get us through these hot months try staying cool with some of these smart eating ideas from some of our local Dietitians:

1.       Frozen fruit pieces or fruit kebabs i.e. grapes, sliced watermelon, banana, pineapple and oranges

2.       Sparkling mineral water flavoured with lemon and mint or mint and cucumber with a few ice cubes

3.       Home-made dip (see recipe attached) with vegetable sticks i.e. cucumber, carrot, red capsicum

4.       Low-fat yoghurt tubs placed in the freezer at home

5.       Smoothie ice-blocks (see recipe attached) 

For more information on Smart Eating Week visit: daa.asn.au/smart-eating-week/

Media Contact: Nicole Ogilvie 0401 114 113