Lean Cuisine

BMI or the Body mass Index is a weight to height ratio that calculates whether you are in a healthy weight range to your height. To calculate your BMI you divide your weight in kilos by height in metres squared. For example, if you weigh 70kg and are 170cm tall, your BMI = 70 / 1.7 x 1.7 = 24.2 = Healthy BMI.
 
The average BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. If you are outside this range we are here to help you achieve your optimum health your way.
 
While the BMI is a rough guide it should be noted it does not account for muscle mass and fat mass, and as such individuals with a high % of muscle mass but who are lean, fit and healthy may have a higher BMI. As such, always seek advice from your own health professional when it coms to assessing your weight status. 

What are calories?
Food is made up of the 4 energy giving macronutrients - carbs, proteins, fats and alcohol - each of these macronutrients combine to give us the profile of our overall calorie intake. Most foods are a mixture of macros, for example bread contains mostly carbs but also a small amount of protein and fat. Other foods may contain just one nutrient, for example fruit which only contains carbohydrate. Each of these nutrients contains a different amount of calories per gram. Carbohydrate contain 4 calories per gram, protein also 4 calories per gram while alcohol contains 7 calories per gram and fat 9 calories per gram.

Fibre is a nutrient found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains which has a number of key health benefits including supporting optimal digestive health, keeping cholesterol levels controlled and supporting weight control. 

How much do we need?
It is recommended that Australian’s consume 30g of dietary fibre each day. This amount can be achieved by eating 2 pieces of fruit and 5 serves of veges each day along with whole grain breads and cereals.

Omega-3 are a type of fat that play a powerful anti-inflammatory role in the body. Omega-3 fats are found in very few foods including oily fish and smaller amounts in nuts and seeds.

How much do we need?
It is recommended that Australians consume omega-3 rich foods at least 2-3 times each week.

Iron is essential to transport oxygen around the body and it is a nutrient 25% of Australian women have low levels of which can leave you feeling tired and lethargic.

How can we get it?
Lean red meat is the richest natural source of iron. Chicken, fish and eggs have smaller amounts while wholegrains, legumes and green vegetables do contain some, although it is not as well absorbed as the iron found in red meat.

Zinc is a mineral needed by the body in small amounts for immune function, new cell development and for protein metabolism.

How much do we need?
Adults females need 8mg of zinc per day, and males 14mg each day. Zinc can be found in red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, and certain types of seafood.