You may have seen the campaign from the Australian Government aimed to help people improve their lifestyle. It focuses on making Healthy Swaps, encouraging you to become a ‘Swapper’. So what does it mean to be a ‘Swapper’ and how can you become one?

What is Swapping?

In this day and age, many are struggling with their weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Instead of taking a harsh, unrealistic approach, such as 'Stopping' (i.e. “I’m NEVER going to eat chocolate again”), try ‘Swapping’ instead.

For Example:

• Swap 100g chocolate for 25g chocolate
• Swap milk or white chocolate for dark chocolate
• Swap chocolate every day for chocolate once a week

And beyond chocolate…

• Swap full-cream milk for low-fat milk
• Swap white bread for wholegrain bread
• Swap a large pasta serve for a small serve
• Swap liquid olive oil when cooking for spray olive oil
• Swap taking the escalators for the stairs
• Swap meeting a friend at a café for a walk together in the park

Why Should We Swap?

Small changes really add up to something big. If you can make as many healthy swaps as you can, you’re on your way to a healthy lifestyle and reducing your risk of lifestyle related diseases; such as Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Heart Disease, Overweight and Obesity. You'll be a happier, healthier you, and you'll also be setting a great example for those around you.

So go on, make some healthy swaps in your life! Go to this website (http://swapit.gov.au/) for more information to help you start swapping!