The recommendations in the Australian Dietary Guidelines and Australian Guide to Healthy Eating help us choose foods for good health and to reduce our risk of chronic health problems.

If we are carrying extra weight, the Australian Dietary Guidelines can also help us lose weight. They steer us towards foods that are high in nutrients but lower in kilojoules. These choices are nutrient dense but less energy dense and helpful for both achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

People wanting to lose weight will also find this information useful for planning meals and snacks. Following the recommended number of serves from the Five Food Groups and avoiding the discretionary foods will result in a gradual but healthy weight loss for most people. However, some people, particularly younger men and people who are taller than average or more active, may need additional serves of the five food groups.