Did you know that poor bone health affects 2 in 3 Australians over 50 years? Good bone health starts in childhood, but it’s never too late to make a difference. That’s why we’re getting involved with Healthy Bones Action Week, which kicks off this week and runs until August 9.
We’re a little food crazy here at Scoop Nutrition, so our first instinct was to share with you a selection of Storehouse‘s finest calcium-rich recipes (helloooo cheese!). And don’t worry, we’re still going to do that, but we also need to remember that it’s not just about calcium. Healthy Bones Action Week calls on Australians of all ages to take not one but three very important actions to build and maintain healthy bones:
- Increase daily serves of calcium through milk, cheese or yoghurt (check!);
- Go for a walk or commit to some new form of regular exercise; and
- Spend time outdoors to get more vitamin D.
Let’s check in with our Storehouse Bloggers for some expert advice to get our bone health sorted.
It can be a struggle to balance a love of cheese with the desire to keep your waistline in check, but keep it portion controlled and your bones will love you for it! Valentina from Eat Like Nonna has a recipe for mac and cheese that is less stodgy than the restaurant version and even contains some bonus veg. Or what about Joanne Leeson‘s Upside-Down Tomato, Cheese and Basil Tart? You’ll even have enough leftovers for lunch for the next day.
Regular exercise a struggle? Stephanie Dee from Gourmet Gypsy has got you sorted with her post 5 Quick Ways to Add Exercise to Your Day. She recommends setting an alarm on your phone every hour to remind you to get up and moving, even if it’s just for a 90 second stretch. No mobile at work? No problem! Just set a recurring reminder in Outlook and you’re good to go.
Getting outside for some sunlight can be a struggle for those of us who work 9-5, but it is achievable, especially if you’re willing to take your lunch al fresco. Or combine exercise and the outdoors with an invigorating lunch time walk. Just don’t forget the sunscreen, especially if you’ll be outside during the peak UV hours or for an extended period of time.
To get involved with Healthy Bones Action Week make sure you follow them on social media, or why not take part in their Fit Fab & 50 Challenge?
Storehouse Blog Directory is your one stop shop for credible nutrition content – check out the latest posts on the home page or search for a credentialed blogger here.
About our expert
Ash Jones is one of our Staff Writers and has been blogging as The Off-Duty Dietitian since 2012, check out her Storehouse directory listing here. As an Accredited Practising Dietitian Ash consults to the food industry, and also works in private practice at Fitness Wonderland in West End, Brisbane. When she’s “off duty” she’s an amateur aerialist, often seen climbing inanimate objects or dangling precariously from a height. So you could say she knows a thing or two about balance!
