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

Latest Research

What is the nutritional value of food and drinks sold in vending machines at an Australian university?

A recent study of vending machines in an Australian university found that:

95% of the food items available were unhealthy
86% of the beverages available were unhealthy
Overall, 90% of the items available were unhealthy, which was significantly higher than the recommended ratio of 75% healthy to 25% unhealthy items
The largest proportion of items had a Health Star Rating (HSR) of 0.5 stars (27%), followed by 2 stars (23%). Only 7% of items had a HSR of 5 stars

Why is this important?

It is incredibly important for university students to have access to healthy food and drink options while they are learning. These options contribute to sustained energy levels and improved concentration, while also supporting immunity
This study highlights that major changes are needed within the university food environment
This study provides additional evidence to advocate for strategies to improve the nutritional quality of food and beverages in vending machines in the university setting
To significantly impact the university food environment, there is a need for policy change at the university level that encompasses all aspects of food provision and availability

How can NAQ Nutrition help?

Check out our fact sheets on reading food labels and choosing healthy snacks to aid in making healthy food and drink choices
If universities need assistance in regards to improving healthy food and drink options in vending machines, NAQ Nutrition can help
A useful resource to consider is Queensland Health's strategy entitled A Better Choice - Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for Queensland Health Facilities. This strategy aims to improve the availability and promotion of healthier food and drinks in Queensland facilities and workplaces. The strategy is based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines and applies a traffic light system to classify food and drinks as either Green, Amber or Red

Reference: Whatnall MC, Ng HS, Liau CY, Patterson AJ, Hutchesson MJ. What is the nutritional value of food and drinks sold in vending machines at an Australian university? A food environment audit study. Nutrition & Dietetics. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1111/1747-0080.12615

Recipe Idea

Homemade Baked Beans

This is a great homemade breakfast option for when you have a little more time in the morning. You could also make this recipe in advance or even in bulk and refrigerate or freeze portions for another time.

Check out our Instagram account for more food inspiration from the NAQ Nutrition team!

Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 brown onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 red chilli, finely chopped (optional)
1 400g can diced tomatoes
1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
1 400g can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
Salt and pepper, to season

Method
1. In a large saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over a low-medium heat.
2. Add the onion, garlic and chilli and cook until softened.
3. Once softened, add the diced tomatoes, stock and cannellini beans. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 30 minutes or until thick and reduced.
5. Serve with a slice of your favourite toast and/or any other breakfast options such as eggs or avocado. Enjoy!

Online Resources

Food and healthy eating during COVID-19

The Health Equity and Access Unit at Metro South Health have put together a range of resources to help you be prepared and stay healthy during this time. Click here to read more and to see handy guides and recipes for cooking at home during COVID-19.

Active Programs

10,000 Steps

The 10,000 Steps project aims to increase the day-to-day activity of Australians by encouraging the use of step-counting pedometers or activity trackers to accumulate "incidental" physical activity as part of everyday living. Significant health and well-being benefits can be made simply by moving more every day and 10,000 Steps can provide a supporting program, free resources and information. While the awareness of the benefits of physical activity continue to expand, 10,000 Steps' online program supports individuals by encouraging goal-setting, recording and monitoring of steps and physical activity. Head over to the 10,000 Steps website to find out more!

Events

Food Safety Supervisor Course

Through COVID-19 we continue to offer 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 continue to offer this course remotely during COVID-19. If you would like to know more about how you can complete the course remotely please email training@naqld.org

Jobs & Opportunities

Queensland Health

Queensland Health are currently seeking expressions of interest for qualified allied health professionals to assist in the response to COVID-19. There are a number of temporary, contract and casual positions available for a range of allied health occupations. Expressions of interest close on 30th June 2020. For more information and to apply click here.

Paediatric Obesity Health Transformers Committee (POHT-C)

Are you passionate and committed to transforming the way paediatric obesity is prevented and treated in your local district or health service? Health and Wellbeing Queensland (HWQld) are currently seeking expressions of interest from Health Transformers in paediatric obesity to join a new statewide committee (POHT-C). They welcome expressions of interest from multidisciplinary individuals in Hospital and Health Services, Primary Health Care Networks, government departments and non-government organisations across the state.

POHT-C will lead the statewide implementation of the Model of Care (MOC) – previously developed by the Paediatric Obesity Working Group. The MOC drives pragmatic Prevention, Treatment and Education initiatives for tackling paediatric obesity in Queensland. POHT-C will function under the leadership of Adj. Professor Robyn Littlewood, Chief Executive, Health and Wellbeing Queensland (HWQld) – a new statutory government agency dedicated to making healthy happen across Queensland.

Expressions of interest close on 20th May 2020. For more information contact Joanna Munro or Oliver Canfell via email at POHT.C@hw.qld.gov.au

Bicycle Queensland Survey

Bicycle Queensland (BQ), like us, are thrilled to see so many people discovering (and re-discovering) the joy and benefits of riding a bike at the moment. Bikes sales are booming and we're hoping people continue to ride for transport, exercise and recreation when the world returns to normal.

We need your help to ensure this happens. Our friends at BQ are gathering data to support submissions to governments to benefit all riders across Australia. So whether you've recently returned to riding, are brand new or cycling is a regular activity for you - we need to hear from you!

Please fill in BQ’s survey here - it only takes five minutes. And then forward this email to a friend so they can fill it in too! The more data collected, the stronger the voice! As an incentive, BQ are putting up 5 x $100 cash prizes to keep you rolling through COVID-19! The survey will close on Friday 8th May 2020.

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