Key points
- The Australian Dietary Guidelinesare a framework for healthy eating among the general population.
- There are 5 principal recommendations in the Australian Dietary Guidelines.
- The guidelines are intended for all healthy Australians, not the frail elderly or those who need special dietary advice for a medical condition.
- The current guidelines are being reviewed by the National Health and Medical Research Council, with new guidelines expected to be released in 2024.
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The Australian Dietary Guidelines are a framework for healthy eating among the general population.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NRMRC) developed the Guidelines in 2013. With the help of other leading nutrition experts and the Australian Government.
They are based on several key sources of evidence, including:
- previous dietary guidelines and supporting documentation
- the evidence and scientific data that was available at the time
- the Food Modelling System (Foundation Diets and Total Diets)
- the Australian Nutrient Reference Values
- key reports from international organisations and governments(including their dietary guidelines).
The 2013 Guidelines are currently under review. The NHMRC is expected to release new guidelines in 2024. Discover more about the review.
What are the Australian Dietary Guidelines?
The Australian Dietary Guidelines offer an approach to eating – outlining the types of foods, food groups and dietary patterns – to promote health and wellbeing and reduce the risk of diet-related conditions and chronic diseases.
The 5 Australian Dietary Guidelines are.
- To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, be physically active and choose amounts of nutritious food and drinks to meet your energy needs.
- Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods from the 5 food groups (vegetables, fruit, grains/cereals, meat/alternatives and dairy/alternatives) every day.And drink plenty of water.
- Limit intake of foods containing saturated fat, added salt, added sugars and alcohol.
- Encourage, support and promote breastfeeding.
- Care for your food; prepare and store it safely.
Who should use the Australian Dietary Guidelines?
The Guidelines are for use by:
- health professionals
- policy makers
- educators
- food manufacturers
- food retailers
- researchers.
They use the guidelines to find ways to help Australians eat healthy diets.
The Australian Dietary Guidelines are intended as a framework for healthy eating among the general population. They are not meant forsick people (including those who need specific dietary advice for a medical condition) or the frail elderly.
The Guidelines may not be exactly right or ‘spot on’ for every individual, as we’re all unique – with differing health challenges, goals, and lifestyles. This is where tailored nutrition advice from an Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) comes in.
Discover more about the Australian Dietary Guidelines.
When to see a dietitian
It's recommended to see a dietitian if you:
- need nutrition advice to help manage a chronic illness or health condition
- are elderly and are worried about whether you are meeting your nutrition needs
- would like personalised nutrition advice to address your needs
- want support from a professional who'll help you reach your long-term health goals.
Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) are university-trained nutrition experts. They can help you with personalised, easy-to-follow and evidence-based advice.
APDs are Australia's most trusted dietetics professionals.
Top tips
- Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods from the 5 food groups every day.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Limit the amount of food you eat that contains saturated fat, added salt, added sugars and alcohol.
- Protect, support and promote breastfeeding.
- Be food safety aware.
Helpful websites
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC): Australian Dietary Guidelines review
