Wholefoods are foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Wholefoods are unprocessed and unrefined and typically don’t contain added sugar, salt or fats. Serving fresh foods in their natural state is one of the best things you can do for your children's health and to prevent illness. Wholesome, unprocessed food should make up a majority of your families diet. 

Diets high in wholefoods such as wholegrains, fruit, vegetables, legumes and nuts and seeds contain high concentrations of antioxidants and other phytochemicals that help protect the body from illness and chronic disease. 

Eating wholefoods that are rich in fibre will help reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes. The body can’t digest complex carbohydrates such as wholegrains, fruits and vegetables, as quickly as highly processed white carbohydrate foods. Complex carbohydrates provide the body with a slow and steady supply of glucose, which won’t cause a sharp rise in blood sugar levels or spike in insulin. This will result in more constant energy levels, reduced sugar cravings and more balanced mood. more..

Wholesome, unprocessed foods are not only more flavorsome but also more abundant in essential vitamins and minerals which are needed for good health and a strong functioning immune system. Wholegrains, fruit, vegetables and legumes are also excellent sources of fibre, needed for bowel health and maintenance of healthy cholesterol levels. 

Unprocessed wholegrain cereals contain all of the nutritious elements of the grain. When grains are milled or refined, the bran and germ elements of the grain are removed, taking away their fibre rich outer layer, along with a lot of their antioxidant and nutritional value. Antioxidants in grains are concentrated in the bran and the germ. Only when grains are eaten in their whole state can all of the health benefits of these nutrient- rich grains be realised. 

Processed, packaged foods are generally devoid of much original goodness and are high in saturated and trans fats, salt and sugars. Unprocessed, natural foods are also free from preservatives and other artificial additives that processed foods commonly contain. A diet rich in processed food is associated with increased risk of becoming overweight or obese, and developing heart disease or type-2 diabetes. 

Providing your children and family with a well-balanced, wholesome diet will supply their bodies with all the essential nutrients they need for good health, to help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic illness. 

The majority of your shopping trolley should be made up of fresh fruit, vegies, legumes, oats and muesli, nuts and seeds, wholegrain cereal such as quinoa and brown rice, wholegrain bread and pasta, eggs, fish, lean meat and organic chicken, yoghurt and low-fat cheese, and organic tofu. Choose wholegrain breads over white bread. Buy whole oats and muesli instead of processed sugary breakfast cereals. Choose brown rice over white. Make your own healthy wholemeal fruit muffins, banana breads and oat cookies and muesli slices with wholemeal flour.