What are junk foods
Junk food is used to describe food and drinks low in nutrients (e.g. vitamins, minerals and fibre) and high in kilojoules, saturated fat, added sugar and/or added salt. They are also known as discretionary choices.
How often can I eat junk food?
Junk foods are not required as part of any diet.
- If you are a healthy weight, try to eat junk foods occasionally and in small amounts.
- If you are trying to lose weight, you will be more successful if you limit junk food.
Why is junk food bad?
Eating junk food on a regular basis can lead to an increased risk of obesity and chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and some cancers.
Where to get help
- Talk to your doctor.
- Calculate how much junk food you eat
Remember
- Junk food describes food and drinks low in nutrients (e.g. vitamins, minerals and fibre) and high in kilojoules, saturated fat, added sugar and/or added salt.
- Eating too much junk food is linked to serious health problems.
- Junk foods are not a necessary part of any diet.