Stop worrying about occasional treats with a Heart-Healthy Eating Pattern

A healthy eating pattern means a person can consume mostly heart healthy foods and still enjoy the occasional treat without derailing their personal goals to eat healthy.

In fact, the real treat will be the healthy and lifelong habits sustained that will help West Australians significantly reduce their risk of developing heart disease.

New data from the latest National Health Survey shows that Australian kids and adults are eating fewer fruit and vegetables than ever before.  

The Heart Foundation’s WA General Manager, Dr Helena Viola said “only 4.2% of adults met both the fruit and vegetable recommendations, compared with 5.4% from 2017-2018.” 

“The average Australian gets around one third of their daily energy from discretionary foods (such as sweet biscuits, cakes, desserts, pastries and sugary drinks) which are high in unhealthy fats, sugars and salt, and are low in fibre.”

So – how can people make small, effective and long-lasting changes to their eating patterns in a world where some of the most tempting foods are often the worst for our heart health? 

The answer for West Australians may lie with the Heart Foundation’s Heart-Healthy Eating Pattern. 

The Foundation launched the Heart-Healthy Eating Pattern in 2019 in response to concerning data which showed that 95 percent of Australians are not eating enough fruit and vegetables. 

“The Heart-Healthy Eating Pattern is designed to support all Australians to develop lifelong healthy habits, far more effective than fad dieting.”

“A heart-healthy eating pattern acknowledges that the whole of what we eat is more important than any single food in isolation, or on a particular day.”

It’s more important to have a set of food groups that you can regularly choose from including wholegrains, fruit, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats.  

“Eating from these food groups regularly, and occasionally having discretionary foods, will help you make positive and lasting changes. The Heart-Healthy Eating Pattern is free, easy to follow and fun to experiment with – we invite all West Australians to give it a go.” 

For more information, visit https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/healthy-living/healthy-eating/healthy-eating-to-protect-your-heart