Bringing you the latest nutrition research and food ideas to help boost your health and wellbeing.

Latest Research

Food neophobia and its association with food preferences and dietary intake of adults

The results of a recent cross-sectional study have been published in the Nutrition & Dietetics: Journal of the Dietitians Association of Australia. This study (1) aimed to assess the association of food neophobia (FN) with food preferences, dietary intake and dietary quality in Portuguese adults. As outlined in the study, FN is characterised by the tendency to reject new/unfamiliar foods or to experience anxiety and aversion when exposed to unfamiliar foods. Take a look at the abstract of this study here.

Key Findings

FN was negatively associated with a general liking for the act of eating and with reduced preferences for specific foods (fruit and vegetables, some types of meat and fish and traditional Portuguese dishes with blood).
Those with higher FN showed a lower consumption of fruits and vegetables, but a higher consumption of milk and codfish, a popular Portuguese ingredient.
However, FN did not affect macronutrient and energy intake, as well as sodium, added sugars and fibre intake.
Adherence to a healthy dietary pattern was not significantly associated with FN.

Conclusions

It was concluded that FN was associated with a decreased consumption and preference for specific foods, but it had no impact on a healthy dietary pattern. Further studies associated with quality, quantity and variety of food products in terms of FN are necessary.

How can NAQ Nutrition help? Food neophobia is often common in young children in Australia. We have a number of resources available on our website that provide information on improving food variety in fussy eaters as well as additional fussy eating tips, which may assist parents and families with food neophobia.

Reference: 1. Costa A, Silva C, Oliveira A. Food neophobia and its association with food preferences and dietary intake of adults. Nutrition & Dietetics. 2019; 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/1747-0080.12587

Recipe Idea

Dark Chocolate Risotto

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, here's a delicious dessert recipe for dark chocolate risotto - rich in both flavour and also antioxidants!

Ingredients

- 1/2 cup Arborio rice
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- Pinch of salt
- 100g dark orange chocolate
- Flesh of half an orange to arrange on top + fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. In a pot combine rice, milk, maple syrup and salt. Bring to the boil, stirring all the time.
2. Once the mixture comes to the boil, lower heat and cook for about 15 minutes (stirring all the time).
3. The rice is ready once it softens and absorbs most of the milk.
4. Break chocolate into small pieces, add to rice and stir gently until all the chocolate melts in the hot rice.
5. Divide into two bowls.
6. Cut out the flesh of half an orange and decorate the chocolate risotto. Top with a few leaves of fresh mint.

Smart Eating Week 2020

GOLD Cooking Workshop

Smart Eating Week is coming next week from 10th - 16th February! Smart Eating Week is all about building healthier communities through greater awareness of health and nutrition and educating the community about how Accredited Practising Dietitians can help.

During Smart Eating Week, the NAQ team will be running a 'Mood Foods' Valentine's Day cooking workshop, as part of Brisbane City Council’s GOLD program. Participants will learn what foods will help balance their mood and make them feel their best, while making delicious recipes such as pumpkin and chickpea fritters, a salmon and noodle salad, vegetarian quesadillas and dark chocolate risotto!

Events

Food Safety Supervisor Course

We offer face-to-face food safety supervisor courses. Our courses include industry specific content and are designed with the needs of our students in mind. Our Food Safety Supervisor course:

Meets the requirements of nationally recognised training
Prepares food safety supervisors to supervise and oversee day to day operations and to prevent and recognise food safety hazards
Early years and aged care courses are specifically designed for those working with vulnerable populations

We provide opportunities for students to complete the course and all assessment in one day at face-to-face training, with no take home assignments.

Click on the following link for more information on the venue, cost and to register for the following course:

Food Safety Supervisor Course for Early Years Settings
Thursday 20th February 2020 9:00am - 4:00pm

Nutrition Australia Qld are coming to Cairns in March

In the first week of March 2020, the NAQ team will be delivering services in Cairns. If you, or your organisation would like to know more about what services we can offer while in Cairns, please contact us at foodfoundations@naqld.org to find out more. Don't forget to include in your email what type of organisation you are from.

Do you have a question for the Healthy at Home team?

You can email your enquiries to healthyathome@naqld.org

NAQ Nutrition
12/212 Curtin Avenue West
Eagle Farm QLD 4009
Ph: (07) 3257 4393
www.naqld.org