Top Tips from Dietitians for a Healthier You

In today’s busy world, maintaining a healthy diet can sometimes feel overwhelming. But with the right guidance and practical tips from accredited practising dietitians, achieving a balanced diet and improving your wellbeing can be simpler than you think.

Here’s a roundup of expert nutrition advice to help you eat well, feel great, and support your long-term health goals.

1. Eat a Variety of Nutrient-Dense Foods

Dietitians emphasise the importance of variety to ensure your body gets all the essential nutrients it needs. Aim to include:

• Colourful fruits and vegetables

• Whole grains

• Lean proteins like fish, tofu, or chicken

• Healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, and olive oil

This mix supports energy, immunity, and long-term health — while keeping meals enjoyable and balanced.

2. Hydrate Throughout the Day

Water is essential for digestion, circulation, and temperature regulation. Make hydration a daily priority — aim for regular water intake throughout the day and limit sugary drinks.

Tip: Keep a water bottle on your desk or in your bag to make healthy hydration effortless.

3. Balance Your Plate

A balanced plate helps ensure you’re getting the right mix of nutrients. Visualise it like this:

• Half your plate: vegetables and fruits

• One-quarter: lean proteins

• One-quarter: whole grains or starchy vegetables

This approach helps sustain energy levels, stabilise blood sugar, and support weight management.

Learn more: Navigating Portion Sizes: Maintaining Balance in Your Diet at Home

4. Practice Portion Control

Portion awareness is key to preventing overeating. Use smaller plates and utensils, and tune into your body’s hunger and fullness cues.

Try to eat until you’re satisfied — not overly full — to support healthy digestion and weight balance.

5. Limit Added Sugars and Processed Foods

Reducing added sugars and processed foods can help lower your risk of chronic diseases and improve your overall wellbeing.

Check nutrition labels for hidden sugars, and choose whole, minimally processed foods whenever possible.

Read more: Sweet Saboteurs: 10 Foods with Hidden Sugars You Weren’t Aware Of

6. Include Fiber-Rich Foods

Fiber supports digestion, heart health, and satiety. Boost your fiber intake by including:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Legumes (like lentils and chickpeas)

• Whole grains such as oats, quinoa, and brown rice

These foods also provide essential antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to keep your body thriving.

Learn more Gut Check: How to Recognize and Improve an Unhealthy Microbiome

7. Be Mindful of Your Eating Habits

Slow down and enjoy your meals. Mindful eating helps you recognise hunger cues, savour flavours, and foster a healthier relationship with food.

Avoid eating in front of screens — instead, create calm, distraction-free mealtimes.

Learn more: Tips to Beat Late-Night Snacking and Mindless Eating

8. Plan and Prepare Meals Ahead

Meal planning saves time, money, and stress — while keeping you on track with your health goals.

Set aside a little time each week to plan meals, shop for fresh ingredients, and prep ahead. Having healthy meals ready makes it easier to stay consistent.

9. Listen to Your Body

Your body gives cues for hunger, fullness, and satisfaction — learning to listen can transform how you eat.

Avoid eating out of habit or stress; instead, check in with your hunger levels before each meal. Notice which foods make you feel your best, both physically and mentally.

10. Seek Professional Guidance

Everyone’s nutritional needs are unique. A registered dietitian can provide tailored advice, meal plans, and strategies to help you achieve your goals — whether that’s managing a medical condition, improving energy, or eating more intuitively.

Learn more: Meet Our Accredited Practising Dietitians

Ready to Eat Well and Feel Your Best?

If you’re ready to take control of your eating habits, our team of Accredited Practising Dietitians can help.

We offer both general nutrition consults and specialised eating disorder dietitian support, available online and in person across Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Shepparton, Bendigo and Albury-Wodonga.

Contact Appetite for Nutrition today for individual consults or tailored meal plans designed to help you eat well and feel your best.

This blog was updated October 2025.