Did you know that only 7.5% of Aussies eat enough veggies?⁠⁠
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This week is National Nutrition Week, and Aussies are being encouraged to increase their vegetable consumption to the recommended 5 serves per day. ⁠⁠
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Veggies play a HUGE role in how we feel physically and mentally. They can boost your mood and protect against disease by providing us with key nutrients to support our health.⁠⁠
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According to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), well-planned eating practices help everyone train and play hard, stay healthy, injury free and compete at their best.⁠⁠
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That’s why we are encouraging everyone to up their veggie intake! It may not be easy but it is worth a go! ⁠⁠
Try adding an extra cup of veg to your dinner tonight or even try a new vegetable or recipe! Try a new recipe. Get in the kitchen and enjoy a meal with family or friends.⁠⁠
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If you need hep with cooking attend on of the Nutrition Australia cooking classes this week, or visit their recipe hub – we recommend the avocado chips and pumpkin fettuccine!⁠⁠
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For more information visit tryfor5.org.au ⁠⁠
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If you want further information on sports nutrition, the AIS provide a number of free resources and information specifically about sports nutrition on their website including research, recipes and tips at http://www.ais.gov.au/nutrition⁠⁠

Today is World Mental Health Day.⁠
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The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for managing our mental health. Lockdowns, social distancing, travel restrictions and the constantly changing position we find ourselves in is stressful.⁠
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As young adults, many of our players are in a critical stage of physical, social and emotional wellbeing, and coaches,club leaders and mates can be important influences during this stage.⁠
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A key way to manage or improve our mental health and overall wellbeing is exercise, with community sport being a great way to get in some exercise and meet our social needs. It can provide great benefits to mental health including better sleep, more energy, stress release and mood improvement.⁠
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The Australian Guidelines recommend adults do at least 30 minutes of moderate to intensive physical activity.⁠
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However, if you are feeling down, exercise can be the last thing you feel like doing, but here are some strategies to incorporate exercise into your day:⁠
• Set short term realistic goals (e.g 3 20 minute walks a week)⁠
• Reward yourself when you achieve a goal⁠
• Start small and build up to longer and more intense exercise⁠
• Make a plan and schedule in exercise that fits into your lifestyle. If you can’t fit in 30 minutes, try and break this up into 3 10 minute blocks⁠
• Equip yourself with everything you may need including the right runners, weights, water bottle and activewear