This week, we celebrated National Nutrition Week (10 - 16 October 2021) – an annual event that serves as an opportunity to promote all things nutrition and raise awareness around the role of food on our health.

We met with Maddy Noon, Dietitian, to learn from her firsthand about the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, as well as find out about her role at Mater.  

In her role, Maddy works with patients, their care team including nurses, occupational therapists and physiotherapists, as well as food services to deliver optimal nutrition and education to patients.

Maddy said food plays an important role on our health. 

“Food is vital for maintaining good health, preventing or reducing risk of illness and disease. It also plays an important role in recovery when unwell or going through treatments for some diseases. Without food, we don’t get the nutrients that we need. Nutrients are the building blocks to not only maintain our health, but also optimise our health, keep our immune system strong, repair wounds, maintain our muscle mass, keep our skin healthy and keep our bones strong,” said Maddy. 

“Fruit and vegetables are a source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre. By eating five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit each day, it helps us to meet those requirements that keep us healthy.”

The recommended daily intake for an adult is five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit. 

Maddy said nutrition was important every day of the year, but National Nutrition Week provided a great opportunity to talk about nutrition.

“National Nutrition Week is a great opportunity to advocate the importance of nutrition for health and consuming a balanced diet.” 

Click here to read more about Mater Health and Wellness.