Healthy eating
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- Body image and diets
A negative body image increases the risk of engaging in unhealthy lifestyle behaviours, such as dieting or restrictive eating, overexercising and other disordered eating or weight control behaviours.
- Dairy and dairy alternatives
Dairy products (and dairy alternatives) are packed with calcium, protein and lots of other essential nutrients.
- Diet and heart disease risk
A diet low in saturated fats and high in fibre and plant food can substantially reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
- Food allergy and intolerance
Food allergy is an immune response, while food intolerance is a chemical reaction.
- Gluten-free diet
Gluten sensitivity can be managed with a gluten-free diet.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Chinese Simplified)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Chinese Traditional)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Greek)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Hindi)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Italian)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Punjabi)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Vietnamese)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Sporting performance and food
Good nutrition and a healthy diet are essential to improving your sports performance.
- Vegetarian and vegan eating
A well-planned vegetarian or vegan diet can meet nutritional needs during all stages of life.
- Weight loss and fad diets
With a balanced eating plan, it's what you leave in that makes all the difference.
- Weight management services
Always consult with your doctor before choosing any weight management service.
- Avoid food poisoning - Cook Safe (video)
Learn how to prepare and cook food safely at home.
- Avoid food poisoning - Shop Safe (video)
Learn how to keep your hot and cold foods separate and shop safely for food.
- Avoid food poisoning - Store Safe (video)
Learn how to store food safely in your fridge at home.
- Cockroaches
Cockroaches prefer to live in kitchens and other food preparation areas, so they can feed off food spills
- Emergencies - coping without gas or electricity
In a gas or electricity blackout you may have to think laterally to come up with ways to continue bathing, eating and keeping warm.
- Fishing - eat your catch with care
People who fish in the Lower Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers need to be careful about eating their catch because of the risk of chemical exposure.
- Food – use-by and best-before dates
Check the ‘use-by’ or ‘best-before’ date when you buy food.
- Food poisoning - listeria infection
Listeria infection is uncommon but very dangerous for the elderly, people whose immune systems are not working properly and pregnant women and their unborn babies.
- Food poisoning - prevention
You can minimise the risk of food poisoning by taking simple precautions.
- Food safety after a fire
After a fire, smoke and other contaminants from burning materials can potentially affect food.
- Food safety and eggs
To enjoy eggs safely – buy clean, keep cool and cook well.
- Food safety and storage
High-risk food should be kept at 5 °C or below, and above 60 °C to avoid the temperature danger zone and food poisoning.
- Food safety for summer celebrations (video)
In the hot weather there is a higher risk of food poisoning but if you follow some simple rules when you prepare, handle and store food it will significantly reduce your risk of getting sick.
- Food safety outdoors
Food poisoning is a real risk when taking food outside the home, especially in warmer weather.
- Food safety when cooking
Most foods should be cooked to at least 75 °C to minimise the risk of food poisoning.
- Food safety when eating out
If you have any doubt about the safety of food when you’re out, don’t eat it.
- Food safety when shopping
When you shop, choose, pack and transport food carefully.
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
FSANZ's role is to protect the health and safety of people in Australia and New Zealand by maintaining a safe food supply.
- Handwashing - Why it's important
Washing your hands with soap and warm water can help stop the spread of infectious diseases.
- Keeping backyard chickens – what you should know
Keeping chickens as pets can be a rewarding experience, especially for children. However, chickens and other poultry can carry germs such as Salmonella, even when they appear healthy and clean.
- Meat and poultry
Meat and poultry are a great source of protein and lots of other nutrients your body needs. Check your recommended intake of meat and poultry and try to stick with it.
- Mushroom poisoning
Mushrooms are a type of fungus. Australia has many varieties of wild-growing fungi, many of which are edible. However, a few types are poisonous or even deadly.
- Pest control in the home
If you use pesticides to control pests around the house, make sure you use as little as possible.
- Carbohydrates and the glycaemic index
The glycaemic index (GI) can be a useful tool to control blood sugar levels.
- Dietary fat
Animal products and processed foods like fried fast food are generally high in saturated fats.
- Dietary fibre
A diet high in fibre keeps the digestive system healthy.
- Food - genetically modified (GM)
Some foods include ingredients that have been genetically modified (GM), or are made using ingredients derived from GM organisms.
- Food additives
The long-term effects of consuming a combination of different additives in our food are currently unknown.
- Food irradiation
Food irradiation can kill insects, moulds and bacteria, but it cannot kill viruses.
- Food labels
Food labels carry useful information to help you make good choices about food.
- Food processing and nutrition
The nutrient value of food is almost always altered by the kind of processing it undergoes. Careful cooking and storage will help retain the nutrients in your food.
- Keeping backyard chickens – what you should know
Keeping chickens as pets can be a rewarding experience, especially for children. However, chickens and other poultry can carry germs such as Salmonella, even when they appear healthy and clean.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Chinese Simplified)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Chinese Traditional)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Greek)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Hindi)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Italian)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Punjabi)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Meat and poultry
Meat and poultry are a great source of protein and lots of other nutrients your body needs. Check your recommended intake of meat and poultry and try to stick with it.
- Mercury in fish
Pregnant women and young children should limit consumption of fish that contain high levels of mercury.
- Pesticides and other chemicals in food
Chemicals such as pesticides, antibiotics and hormones are used to boost food production and ensure adequate food supply.
- Protein
Protein is found in animal and plant foods. Learn more about protein foods, how much protein you need each day based on your life stage.
- Salt
Too much sodium (salt) can cause high blood pressure and many other health conditions.
- Sugar
Too much sugar in the diet can contribute to health problems, so limit foods and drinks with high amounts of added sugar.
- Alcohol facts
Learn all about alcohol - includes standard drink size, health risks and effects, how to keep track of your drinking, binge drinking, how long it takes to leave the body, tips to lower intake.
- Cereals and wholegrain foods
Common cereal foods include bread, breakfast cereals and pasta.
- Dairy and dairy alternatives
Dairy products (and dairy alternatives) are packed with calcium, protein and lots of other essential nutrients.
- Dietary fat
Animal products and processed foods like fried fast food are generally high in saturated fats.
- Dietary fibre
A diet high in fibre keeps the digestive system healthy.
- Fish
Eating two or more serves of fish per week can reduce the risk of a range of diseases including dementia, depression and cardiovascular disease.
- Fruit and vegetables
Eating fruit and vegetables can help protect against some diseases including diabetes and some cancers.
- Herbs
Use herbs to enhance the flavour of virtually any dish, including desserts.
- Lunch at work
Did you know lunch is just as important as breakfast? In other words, don’t skip lunch: you need it every day!
- Meat and poultry
Meat and poultry are a great source of protein and lots of other nutrients your body needs. Check your recommended intake of meat and poultry and try to stick with it.
- Milk
Milk is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium.
- Nuts and seeds
Nuts are a healthy food and a good source of protein and healthy fats.
- Organic food
Organic foods are farmed in a more environmentally sustainable way than conventional foods.
- Protein
Protein is found in animal and plant foods. Learn more about protein foods, how much protein you need each day based on your life stage.
- Soft drinks, juice and sweet drinks - children
Encourage children to drink and enjoy water. Sweet drinks such as juice, cordial and soft drinks may cause health problems for children if consumed in large amounts.
- Soft drinks, juice and sweet drinks – limit intake
Consumption of drinks containing added sugar is associated with weight gain, reduced bone strength and tooth erosion and decay.
- Soybeans and soy foods
Soybeans and soy foods may reduce the risk of a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, coronary heart disease and some cancers, as well as improving bone health.
- Water – a vital nutrient
Water is essential for the human body to function.
- Arthritis and diet
No special diet or 'miracle food' can cure arthritis, but some conditions may be helped by avoiding or including certain foods.
- Asthma and food allergies
It is important to identify any foods or food chemicals that may trigger your asthma, but this must be done under strict medical supervision.
- Cancer and food
Diet can influence your risk of developing some cancers, but there is no evidence that specific foods can cause or cure cancer.
- Cholesterol - healthy eating tips
Replacing foods that contain saturated fats with foods that contain polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats will help to lower your cholesterol.
- Coeliac disease and gluten sensitivity
Coeliac disease is an immune disease caused by gluten.
- Diabetes and healthy eating
Healthy eating for people with diabetes is no different than for everyone else.
- Diet and heart disease risk
A diet low in saturated fats and high in fibre and plant food can substantially reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
- Food allergy and intolerance
Food allergy is an immune response, while food intolerance is a chemical reaction.
- Food and your mood
What we eat affects our physical health and our mood and mental wellbeing.
- Food poisoning - prevention
You can minimise the risk of food poisoning by taking simple precautions.
- Gut health
The health of your gut microbiome impacts both your physical and mental health.
- Huntington's disease and diet issues
Weight loss is often associated with Huntington's disease, but it doesn?t appear to be a direct result of diet.
- Keeping backyard chickens – what you should know
Keeping chickens as pets can be a rewarding experience, especially for children. However, chickens and other poultry can carry germs such as Salmonella, even when they appear healthy and clean.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Chinese Simplified)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Chinese Traditional)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Lunch at work
Did you know lunch is just as important as breakfast? In other words, don’t skip lunch: you need it every day!
- Pregnancy and diet
Good nutrition during pregnancy can help to keep you and your developing baby healthy.
- Balancing energy in and energy out
A kilojoule is a unit of measure of energy, in the same way that kilometres measure distance.
- Body mass index (BMI)
Body mass index or BMI is an approximate measure of your total body fat.
- Children's diet - fruit and vegetables
If you eat and enjoy fruit and vegetables every day, your child may eventually follow your lead.
- Dairy and dairy alternatives
Dairy products (and dairy alternatives) are packed with calcium, protein and lots of other essential nutrients.
- Energy in food (kilojoules and calories)
A kilojoule is a unit of measure of energy, in the same way that kilometres measure distance.
- Food and your mood
What we eat affects our physical health and our mood and mental wellbeing.
- Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ)
FSANZ's role is to protect the health and safety of people in Australia and New Zealand by maintaining a safe food supply.
- Gut health
The health of your gut microbiome impacts both your physical and mental health.
- Healthy eating and diet
Healthy eating information including major food groups, daily serve guidelines by age and what to include in a healthy diet.
- Keeping backyard chickens – what you should know
Keeping chickens as pets can be a rewarding experience, especially for children. However, chickens and other poultry can carry germs such as Salmonella, even when they appear healthy and clean.
- Kids and energy needs
It’s important for kids to eat a wide variety of foods for a healthy, well-balanced diet and to be physically active. Creating healthy habits during childhood helps to ensure lifelong healthy decisions and actions, and build healthy habits into the future.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Chinese Simplified)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Chinese Traditional)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Greek)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Hindi)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Italian)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Lunch at work
Did you know lunch is just as important as breakfast? In other words, don’t skip lunch: you need it every day!
- Meat and poultry
Meat and poultry are a great source of protein and lots of other nutrients your body needs. Check your recommended intake of meat and poultry and try to stick with it.
- Metabolism
Your metabolism is influenced by your age, gender, muscle-to-fat ratio, the food you eat, physical activity and hormone function.
- Nutrition needs when you’re over 65
As you become older, the foods and drinks that make up a healthy diet for you may be slightly different from when you were younger.
- Sugary drinks - know the facts (video)
Victorian State Nutritionist, Veronica Graham says to limit your intake of sugar-sweetened drinks, they are not needed and may cause you harm.
- Bottle feeding - nutrition and safety
Breastmilk or commercial infant formula is necessary for all babies less than 12 months.
- Breastfeeding and your diet
Breastfeeding women need to eat regularly and include a wide variety of healthy foods in their diet.
- Dairy and dairy alternatives
Dairy products (and dairy alternatives) are packed with calcium, protein and lots of other essential nutrients.
- Disability - managing underweight
There are a number of ways that a person with a disability can successfully avoid unwanted weight loss.
- Eating tips for older toddlers
Offer children the same foods as the family, with a variety of textures and flavours for balanced nutrition.
- Eating tips for preschoolers
Children are able to decide how much food they need for activity and growth, if allowed to eat according to their appetite.
- Eating tips for school children
Snacks are an important part of a healthy diet for active children, so offer nutritious as well as high energy snacks.
- Eating tips for young toddlers
Children have a natural ability to sense when they are hungry and when they are full.
- Food and your life stages
The nutritional requirements of the human body change as we move through different life stages.
- Introducing solid foods for babies
First foods for babies can be prepared easily and cheaply at home without salt, seasonings and sweeteners.
- Keeping backyard chickens – what you should know
Keeping chickens as pets can be a rewarding experience, especially for children. However, chickens and other poultry can carry germs such as Salmonella, even when they appear healthy and clean.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Chinese Simplified)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Chinese Traditional)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Greek)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Hindi)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Italian)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Punjabi)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Kilojoules on the menu (Vietnamese)
Kilojoule labelling is now on the menu of large food chain businesses – both in-store and online.
- Lunch at work
Did you know lunch is just as important as breakfast? In other words, don’t skip lunch: you need it every day!
- Men’s nutrition needs
Nutrition needs differ with gender and age
- Nutrition needs when you’re over 65
As you become older, the foods and drinks that make up a healthy diet for you may be slightly different from when you were younger.
- Pregnancy and diet
Good nutrition during pregnancy can help to keep you and your developing baby healthy.
- Soft drinks, juice and sweet drinks - children
Encourage children to drink and enjoy water. Sweet drinks such as juice, cordial and soft drinks may cause health problems for children if consumed in large amounts.
- Toddlers and fussy eating
If you restrict yourself to a narrow range of foods, your child will notice and copy your wariness.
- Breakfast
People who skip breakfast may lack sufficient vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin B2.
- Cooking tips for busy people
If you lack the time or motivation to cook, try these tips.
- Food labels
Food labels carry useful information to help you make good choices about food.
- Healthy cooking tips and recipe suggestions
In many cases, favourite recipes can be modified so they have a lower fat content. Discover healthy eating tips and recipe suggestions.
- Healthy eating and diet
Healthy eating information including major food groups, daily serve guidelines by age and what to include in a healthy diet.
- Lunch at work
Did you know lunch is just as important as breakfast? In other words, don’t skip lunch: you need it every day!
- Lunch boxes - healthy shopping ideas (video)
Victorian State Public Health Nutritionist Veronica Graham takes us shopping for the right foods to include in your childs lunchbox.
- Lunch boxes - how to make them healthy (video)
Victorian State Public Health Nutritionist Veronica Graham shares three healthy and delicious lunchbox examples for the kids and provides some great food preparation tips to save you time throughout the week.
- Antioxidants
Antioxidants scavenge free radicals from the body's cells, and prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation.
- Calcium
If you don’t have enough calcium in your diet, your bones will eventually become weak and brittle.
- Food labels
Food labels carry useful information to help you make good choices about food.
- Iodine
Good sources of iodine include fortified bread and any type of seafood, including seaweed.
- Iron and iron deficiency
About iron and iron deficiency - symptoms, stages, causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, who is at risk, daily intake, food sources and supplements.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements - what to know
Vitamin and mineral supplements are frequently misused and taken without professional advice. Find out more about vitamin and mineral supplements and where to get advice.
- Vitamin B
The 8 B-group vitamins are essential for various functions within the body.
- Vitamin D
A balanced approach to sunlight exposure will help you get enough vitamin D while protecting against skin cancer.
- Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are organic compounds that are required in very small amounts, for a variety of metabolic processes.