What are discretionary food choices and why do they appear outside the circle in the Australian Guide to healthy eating?

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, up to 41% of the daily energy intake for some age groups comes from discretionary foods. These foods, often called 'junk foods' or 'occasional foods', are a significant part of many Australians' diets, yet are not featured within the main food groups of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE).

Quick Summary

This article explains the definition of discretionary food choices and their characteristics, such as being high in saturated fat, added salt, added sugar, and low in nutrients. It details the reasoning behind their placement outside the main circular graphic of the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating, highlighting their role in weight gain and chronic disease. The content also provides practical strategies for reducing discretionary food intake.

Key Points

• Definition: Discretionary foods are not essential for a healthy diet and are high in saturated fat, added sugar, salt, or alcohol.

• Nutrient-Poor: They are energy-dense but provide low levels of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

• AGHE Placement: Their position outside the AGHE circle signifies they are not part of the core, daily diet and should be consumed occasionally.

• Health Impact: Excessive intake can displace nutrient-rich foods, contribute to weight gain, and increase the risk of chronic diseases.

• Examples: Common examples include cakes, pastries, crisps, fried foods, and sugary drinks.

• Consumption Guidelines: The Australian Dietary Guidelines advise consuming these foods in small amounts and only sometimes.

What Defines Discretionary Food Choices?

Discretionary food choices are foods and drinks that are not essential for a healthy diet. They are categorised based on their high content of saturated fat, added sugar, added salt, and/or alcohol, which makes them energy-dense but nutrient-poor. Examples of these foods include sweet biscuits, cakes, pastries, processed meats, fried foods, confectionery, and sugar-sweetened drinks. While they can add variety and enjoyment, especially in social and celebratory settings, they are not necessary for nutritional needs and should only be consumed occasionally and in small amounts.

Characteristics of Discretionary Foods

Discretionary foods are identified by their specific nutrient composition. The Australian Dietary Guidelines use specific criteria to determine a food's discretionary status. For instance, certain breakfast cereals with high sugar content, mixed dishes with a high saturated fat level, and soups with excessive sodium are all classified as discretionary. This classification helps track their contribution to overall energy and nutrient intake across the population. The high energy density of these items means they provide many kilojoules without a corresponding level of essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

Common Examples of Discretionary Foods

• Sweet items: Cakes, muffins, pastries, sweet biscuits, chocolate, lollies, ice cream.
• Savoury items: Commercially fried foods, hot chips, savoury pastries like pies, processed meats such as sausages and salami, fatty and/or salty snack foods like crisps.
• Drinks: Sugar-sweetened soft drinks, cordial, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, and alcohol.
• High-fat products: Cream, butter, and spreads high in saturated fats.

Why Are They Outside the AGHE Circle?

The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE) is a visual representation of the Australian Dietary Guidelines. It depicts the five core food groups—vegetables, fruits, grains, lean meats and alternatives, and dairy and alternatives—within a central circle. This graphic design is intentional and serves a clear purpose.

The Role of Core Food Groups

The core food groups represent the foundation of a healthy diet. They are nutrient-dense, providing the essential vitamins, minerals, fibre, and macronutrients needed for optimal health and well-being. By being inside the circle, they are visually emphasised as the basis of daily food intake. The size of each segment within the circle is proportional to the recommended intake for a balanced diet.

The Impact of Discretionary Foods

The decision to place discretionary foods outside the main circle is a powerful educational tool. This placement reinforces the message that these foods are supplementary and not a necessary part of the diet. They are placed in a small, bottom corner of the graphic, labelled to be used 'occasionally and only in small amounts'. The reasons for this include:

• Displacing Nutritious Foods: The high energy content of discretionary foods can fill people up, leading them to eat less of the nutrient-rich core foods. This can result in a diet that is high in kilojoules but low in essential nutrients, increasing the risk of nutritional deficiencies.
• Contributing to Health Risks: Regular overconsumption of these foods is linked to increased risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. By keeping them separate, the AGHE warns against excessive intake and promotes healthier choices.
• Excess Kilojoule Intake: Discretionary foods often contain excess kilojoules, which can lead to weight gain if consumed frequently. The AGHE's design encourages consumers to fill their plate with core foods first, ensuring a healthy energy balance.

Comparison: Discretionary Foods vs. Core Food Groups

Feature	Discretionary Foods	Core Food Groups
Nutrient Density	Low in essential nutrients (vitamins, minerals, fibre) but high in energy.	High in essential nutrients, providing vitamins, minerals, fibre, and macronutrients.
Key Components	High in saturated fat, added salt, added sugar, and/or alcohol.	Balanced in macronutrients, fibre, and essential nutrients.
Health Impact	Overconsumption increases risk of obesity and chronic diseases.	Essential for growth, good health, and reducing the risk of disease.
Dietary Role	Optional, for occasional enjoyment and in small amounts.	Foundational, forming the basis of daily dietary intake.
AGHE Placement	Outside the main circle, in a smaller segment.	Inside the central circular graphic.

How to Reduce Intake of Discretionary Choices

Reducing discretionary food intake is a key step towards better health and can be achieved through a few practical strategies:

1. Prioritise Core Foods: Build your meals around the five core food groups. Ensure your plate is filled with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy to feel satisfied.
2. Mindful Eating: Practise mindful eating to become more aware of what and why you are eating. This can help you differentiate between physical hunger and cravings for discretionary items.
3. Plan Your Meals: Planning your meals and snacks in advance can help you avoid making impulsive, high-kilojoule discretionary food choices.
4. Make Swaps: Replace discretionary foods with healthier alternatives. For example, swap crisps for a handful of unsalted nuts or a fruit-based dessert for fresh fruit.
5. Control Portion Sizes: If you do choose to have a discretionary food, keep the portion small. The AGHE recommends consuming them only occasionally and in small amounts.

Conclusion

Discretionary food choices are defined by their high content of saturated fat, salt, and sugar, and their low nutritional value. The Australian Guide to Healthy Eating intentionally places them outside the main core food group circle to visually communicate their non-essential status and the health risks associated with overconsumption. By prioritising nutrient-dense core foods and being mindful of portion sizes, Australians can successfully limit their intake of discretionary items, leading to improved overall health and reduced risk of chronic diseases. The AGHE serves as a vital tool for promoting a balanced and nutritious diet, where discretionary choices are simply a small, optional extra.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary characteristic of discretionary foods?

The primary characteristic of discretionary foods is that they are high in energy (kilojoules) but low in essential nutrients, often containing excessive amounts of saturated fat, added sugar, or added salt.

Why are discretionary foods not in the main AGHE circle?

They are placed outside the main circle to indicate they are not a necessary part of a healthy daily diet. The circle is reserved for the five essential and nutrient-dense core food groups.

Does consuming discretionary foods cause health problems?

While small amounts occasionally are acceptable, regular and excessive consumption can lead to weight gain, and increase the risk of chronic conditions like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Are there healthy alternatives to discretionary foods?

Yes, many healthier alternatives exist. For example, you can swap sugary drinks for water, fruit for sweets, or unsalted nuts for crisps.

Can active people eat more discretionary foods?

Individuals who are more physically active may have a slightly higher energy allowance, which can sometimes include small amounts of discretionary foods. However, even for them, it's healthier to get extra energy from nutrient-rich core foods.

What is the difference between core foods and discretionary foods?

Core foods are essential, nutrient-dense foods needed for daily health, while discretionary foods are optional, energy-dense, and nutrient-poor items for occasional consumption.

How often should discretionary foods be eaten?

Discretionary foods should be consumed only occasionally and in small amounts, not as a regular part of your daily diet.