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Registered dietician Yolandé van der Riet answers FAQs to help you make better choices about what, how much and when to eat, and how to prepare your meals.
Do your research. Follow credible scientific advice and avoid fake news, anecdotes, fad diets and the promise of a quick-fix solution.
Learn the difference between being hungry and feeling peckish. Dehydration can also feel like hunger, so grab a glass of water.
Make it a lifestyle. Instead of only focusing on food, aim for a holistic, healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and enough sleep.
Preparing your own meals is always better than takeaways as you control what goes into them.
Stick to the 80:20 principle: 80% healthy living and 20% occasional treats.
How you prepare food matters. Consider microwaving, boiling, braising, baking, steaming, roasting, poaching, pressure cooking, grilling or using a non-stick spray instead of smoking or frying.
Be aware of sneaky kilojoules from beverages such as alcohol, hot drinks and fruit juices.
Don’t starve yourself. Opt for a variety of enough nutritious foods.
A healthy relationship with food – including enjoying meals – is central to maintaining a healthy weight.