The Australian Dietary Guidelines set out 5 key recommendations for adults. People with cancer may need to be more flexible about their food choices and ask their doctor about breastfeeding.
Five key recommendations for healthy eating
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Foods to limit
| Use small amounts of fats such as butter and cooking oils. Choose varieties that are low in saturated and trans fats. |
| If you choose to eat fast food, processed meats and sweets and drink alcohol, only have them sometimes and in small amounts. |
Healthy eating from five food groups
This diagram is based on the NHMRC’s Australian Guide to Healthy Eating diagram. Aim to eat a wide variety of foods from the 5 food groups and drink plenty of water.
Note: At the time of this information’s release in 2025, the Australian Dietary Guidelines were under review. The new guidelines are expected to be published in 2026. For details, see eatforhealth.gov.au.
→ READ MORE: How to eat well after a cancer diagnosis
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
All updated content has been clinically reviewed by Emma Vale, Senior Dietitian, GenesisCare, SA. This edition is based on the previous edition, which was reviewed by the following panel: Jacqueline Baker, Senior Oncology Dietitian, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Lauren Atkins, Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian, OnCore Nutrition, VIC; Dr Tsien Fua, Head and Neck Radiation Oncology Specialist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Rosemerry Hodgkin, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Clare Hughes, Manager, Nutrition Unit, Cancer Council NSW; John Spurr, Consumer; Emma Vale (see above); David Wood, Consumer.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
