07 September 2018
Translating dietary recommendations into the reality of preparing healthy food for the dinner plate is the focus of a new campaign launched by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), aimed at Australia’s health care professionals and ultimately consumers.
‘So What's For Dinner?’ is a suite of resources designed for general practitioners and dietitians to use with their patients and clients to help them achieve variety, balance and enjoyment in their meals for good health and wellbeing.
MLA Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Lisa Sharp, said the campaign is based on insights commissioned by MLA to understand attitudes, language and behaviours around healthy eating.
“This consumer-focused approach is important for providing a bridge between the Australian Dietary Guidelines (ADG) and ‘the plate’, and how to incorporate red meat into meals,” Ms Sharp said.
“We know the ADGs are evidence-based and following them will contribute to positive health outcomes. However, people eat meals - not food groups, grams or serves – and we know that people want variety and enjoyment, especially at dinner time.
“We focused on dinner because it’s a time when most people want to make a meal that everyone enjoys and typically includes a protein, with red meat a popular choice among Australians.
“The resources include practical information on how much red meat to eat and how often, as well as inspiration, tips and tricks to pull together a variety of tasty and balanced meals from favourite protein types for everyone to enjoy.
“When GPs and dietitians are discussing diet with their patients and clients, we encourage them to start the conversation with the open and friendly question - so what’s for dinner?”
The resources cover the specific dietary needs of all age groups, ranging from a guide to nutritious family meals for babies and toddlers, through to advice for consumers aged over 65 years. The campaign is supported by an online platform www.mlahealthymeals.com.au
‘So What’s For Dinner?’ is the latest component of MLA’s Domestic Market Strategy and broader Community Engagement Program which includes the Australian Good Meat online platform, Australian Beef’s virtual reality Paddock to Plate Story, community events, education and schools program and producer advocate development.
