Food literacy: Improving food conversations and behaviours

Dr Courtney (Thompson) Stewart contributed expert insight to FoodNavigator-Asia on the role of food literacy in improving dietary behaviours and supporting chronic disease prevention and management.

The feature explored how rising rates of diet-related chronic disease, combined with conflicting nutrition messaging, have made food decision-making increasingly complex for patients. Drawing on peer-reviewed research, Courtney highlighted that food literacy extends beyond knowledge alone – encompassing the skills, behaviours and confidence required to plan, select, prepare and consume food in a way that protects long-term health.

The article outlined four practical strategies for healthcare professionals to incorporate food literacy into consultations: aligning advice with the Australian Dietary Guidelines; teaching patients how to interpret food labels and portion sizes; initiating meaningful conversations about lifestyle and cultural food practices; and addressing common barriers such as cost and time with realistic, actionable solutions.

A key discussion point included the importance of label literacy, particularly in the context of plant-based dairy alternatives. The piece reinforced that while marketing claims can influence perceptions of healthfulness, nutrient composition varies significantly between products – highlighting the need for evidence-based guidance when comparing dairy and alternative options.

This feature demonstrates Courtney’s ability to bridge academic research and clinical practice, translating complex nutrition science into practical strategies for healthcare professionals and industry audiences alike.

Read the full article here

If you are seeking expert commentary for media, industry publications or corporate communications – particularly in the areas of food labelling, health claims, regulatory compliance and evidence-based nutrition – we welcome enquiries via our contact page: https://nprconsulting.com.au/contact/