What are ultra-processed foods and how to eat less of them
Ultra-processed foods are everywhere these days. But what exactly are they? We explore the health risks and offer simple, heathier food swaps.
How to hydrate quickly and effectively
Staying hydrated is important for maintaining muscle and brain performance and general health. But it’s not just about counting cups of water each day. Here are some key ways to keep hydrated.
How to improve your gut health (and why that’s important)
What goes on in your gut can affect your overall wellbeing. Here’s what you need to know about identifying gut issues and how to take steps towards fixing them.
6 healthy sources of plant-based protein
Protein is essential for our health, and plants can be a heart-healthy way to add nutrients to your diet. It's possible to include plant-based protein meals into your daily routine: all you need is a little planning.
HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU BE EATING? YOUR GUIDE TO PORTION SIZES
Learn why you may need to adapt your food serving sizes as you age to maintain a healthy weight, plus tips to measure and manage portion control.
15 healthy lunchbox snacks to nourish your kids
Building healthy eating habits in youngsters can be a tricky business. Here’s how to 'dangle a carrot', using some expert tips and healthy snack ideas for kids.
Read more
Sugar’s impact on your body: 9 hidden side effects
Rising levels of obesity and type 2 diabetes are highlighting concerns about sugar’s impact on your body. Discover the impact of consuming too much sugar and how to curb your sweet tooth.
Read more
How to eat well for less
Eating well doesn’t have to be expensive. Forget pricey ingredients and choose seasonal produce and ingredients that can make your meals stretch further.
Read more
5 ways to help your child eat better
If you have a fussy eater it can be difficult to know what to do. We asked a dietitian for help on dealing with picky eaters, from the toddler stage to the teenage years.
Read more
4 quick and healthy lunch ideas on a budget
Tired of unhealthy takeaway or the same old sandwich? These cheap and healthy lunch ideas will give you all the nutrients you need to take on the afternoon.
Read more
Healthy food and alcohol swaps for the festive season
Keep healthy this festive season with our healthy food and alcohol swap ideas to stay on track without spoiling the fun.
Read more
What are ultra-processed foods and how to eat less of them
Ultra-processed foods are everywhere these days. But what exactly are they? We explore the health risks and offer simple, heathier food swaps.
Read more
Are you getting enough iron?
As nutrients go, iron is up there as one of the most essential – but many of us struggle to get enough. Here are some iron-rich foods and a refresher on why you need them.
Read more
How to cut down your average sugar intake
Many of us eat a lot more than the recommended sugar intake. Here’s how to eat less sugar without giving up your favourite sweets.
Read more
FOOD FOR MENTAL HEALTH: WHAT’S GOOD FOR YOUR MIND?
We look at the connection between nutrition and your brain and reveal five nutritious foods that can help boost your mental health.
Read more
Is red meat bad for you?
Experts agree: eating too much red meat is bad for you, and there are benefits to a vegetarian diet. Find out how to develop a more balanced diet.
Read more
Food and Your Mood: How what you eat directly affects your brain
Do your brain a favour and reach for a handful of mood-boosting foods – think nuts instead of donuts! Here’s how to improve your mood with food…
Read more
Food allergies in babies: the latest approach
Introducing your child to common allergy-causing foods early could actually help prevent a food allergy.
Read more
IS YOUR DAILY CAFFEINE HIT RUINING YOUR SLEEP?
We’re sorry to break the news, but your daily caffeine hit could be ruining your sleep. Here’s how that extra cup can cause chaos at night.
HOW TO READ FOOD LABELS AND NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
If you're wanting to make healthier food choices and shop smarter, reading food labels and the nutritional panel is an important first step. Here are some ways to increase your nutritional know-how and shop smarter.
How to fix 7 common diet mistakes
Diet advice can be confusing and even conflicting. We asked 2 dietitians about the most common diet mistakes they see and their advice for staying on track.
Read more
How to hydrate quickly and effectively
Staying hydrated is important for maintaining muscle and brain performance and general health. But it’s not just about counting cups of water each day. Here are some key ways to keep hydrated.
VISCERAL FAT: HEALTH PROBLEMS BENEATH THE SURFACE
While hard to see from the outside, hidden or visceral fat can cause health problems. Here are the signs.
HEALTHY EATING AFTER 50
Did you know that your food needs change as you age? Read our tips to help keep your bones strong, heart healthy and weight steady.
Are you eating too much salt?
Although salt packs a flavour punch, too much of it can be bad for your health.
Read more
HOW MANY KILOJOULES DO YOU NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT?
Experts explain what kilojoules are, where you should get yours from and how many you need to maintain or lose weight.
Read more
9 FOODS TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
Give your body the best chance of keepings colds and flus away with these nine immune-boosting foods.
ARE MILK ALTERNATIVES HEALTHY?
If you can’t, or choose not to, drink cow’s milk, your options include almond, coconut and oat milk. But are they good for you?
Read more
ARE CARBS BAD FOR YOU?
Carbohydrates get a bad rap – but choosing the right type can actually boost your health and aid weight loss.
Read more
FASTING – DOES IT REALLY HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT?
Various fasting diets claim you can lose weight, improve your health and potentially extend your lifespan. We find out what the evidence is.
Read more
HOW MUCH PROTEIN DO YOU REALLY NEED?
The so-called protein revolution has seen this macronutrient given top billing in human nutrition. So what is protein, which foods contain it, and can you have too much of a good thing?
Read more
What are wholefoods?
In a world of trending diets and food fads, don’t forget the benefits of simply eating wholefoods.
Read more
Does it matter what time you eat?
You may have heard the popular adage “breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dinner like a pauper”, but is it true?
Read more
THE TRUTH ABOUT SOY: IS IT GOOD FOR YOU?
With soy consumption on the rise, we look at whether it’s actually healthy.
Read more
Do you have a food intolerance?
For many Aussies, certain foods can pose problems to our wellbeing. Here’s how to tell if you could have a food intolerance, and steps you might take.
SHOULD TEENAGERS BE DRINKING COFFEE AND ENERGY DRINKS?
From flat whites to energy drinks, Aussie teenagers drink a surprising amount of caffeine. Here’s how it affects their health.
ARE YOU DRINKING TOO MUCH?
Whether you’re having a cocktail with friends or winding down with a cold beer at home, alcohol often feels like a normal part of life. But are some of us drinking too much?
Read more
Detoxing: the path to wellness or waste of time?
Detoxing devotees believe the practice cleanses the body, and can promote weight loss. Does the science support these claims?
Read more
The dirt on clean eating
We see the term 'clean eating' everywhere – in celebrity interviews, Instagrammed breakfasts, podcasts and diet books – but what does it mean, and is it healthy?
Read more
The facts about sugar
Sugar has been getting a bad rap lately. Is it really that bad? How much is ok? We look beyond the headlines to the science of sugar.
Read more
Raising vegetarian or vegan kids
Saying no to animal products is on the rise, but is a vegetarian or vegan diet suitable for children?
Read more
Are superfoods really super?
The labels can promise everything from heart health to weight loss, but are these claims research-based or just clever marketing?
Read more
6 common diet myths, busted
When it comes to diet and nutrition, there are plenty of misconceptions out there. We sort fact from fiction to help you stay on track.
Read more
Doctors prescribing vegies for better health
Most of us still aren’t eating enough vegetables. Now some doctors are driving the message home by writing vegie prescriptions.
Read more
What’s gone wrong with our diet?
Statistics don’t lie. We’re gaining an unhealthy amount of weight – and it’s all down to the average Aussie’s eating habits.
Read more
Healthy diet or food fad?
If you’re confused about the health benefits of the latest popular diets here’s what you need to know.
Read more
How to grow your own vegetables
Nothing beats eating food fresh from your own garden or balcony, and it’s something kids can help with too.
Read more
10 ways to make eating vegetables appealing
If there’s someone in your household who hates vegies here are some ideas for making them tastier.
Read more
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This communication contains information which is copyright to The Hospitals Contribution Fund of Australia Ltd (HCF). It should not be copied, disclosed or distributed without the authority of HCF. Except as required by law, HCF does not represent, warrant and/or guarantee that this communication is free from errors, virus, interception or interference. All reasonable efforts have been taken to ensure the accuracy of material contained on this website. It’s not intended that this website be comprehensive or render advice. HCF members should rely on authoritative advice they seek from qualified practitioners in the health and medical fields as the information provided on this website is general information only and may not be suitable to individual circumstances or health needs. Please check with your health professional before making any dietary, medical or other health decisions as a result of reading this website.