The countdown to Cancer Council’s popular Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser is on and Cancer Council Queensland is challenging participants to give their events a healthy spin.
According to the 2012 Chief Health Officer’s Report, more than two million Queenslanders are overweight or obese – putting them at risk of serious illness including heart disease and some cancers.
High body mass and physical inactivity were among the top four factors contributing to 34.6 per cent of the burden of cancer across the state*.
While morning teas can be synonymous with treats – Cancer Council’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea (Thursday, May 22) is all about finding healthy alternatives that are just as delicious.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift said the charity was encouraging all hosts to give the average morning tea a healthy spin in celebration of the popular Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser.
“More than 6,700 morning tea hosts from around Queensland will gather in living rooms, community centres, schools and workplaces to celebrate Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and raise more than $2.5 million for cancer research, education programs and patient support services,” Ms Clift said.
“We are encouraging all participants to commit to the fight against cancer, not only by raising vital funds, but by educating their guests about the importance of healthy eating.
“Making healthy choices doesn’t have to mean missing out on the fun – it’s about incorporating beneficial habits into your everyday lifestyle.
“By making a few small changes you can look after the health of yourself, your friends and family, while making the most of supporting a worthwhile cause.”
Up to one third of cancers are preventable through simple lifestyle adjustments including eating healthily, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking and staying SunSmart.
“Together we can beat cancer – so switch that kettle on and enjoy a cuppa for a great cause!” Ms Clift said.
“We’re sharing some healthy morning tea tips in the weeks leading up to Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, including some of our favourite avocado dishes, and we’re encouraging all Queenslanders to join the discussion and share their delicious recipes.”
Share your healthy recipe ideas on the CCQ Facebook page facebook.com/cancercouncilqueensland.
Nationally, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea is enjoyed by more than a million people each year and collectively, over two decades of tea partying, the event has raised around $110 million for the fight against cancer.
With the generous support of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraisers, Cancer Council has contributed over half a billion dollars to cancer research and continues to beat cancer every day through prevention, support, research, advocacy and information services.
To register an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event, visit biggestmorningtea.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85 to receive your free Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea host kit today.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland and making healthier choices is available at www.cancerqld.org.au or via the Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20.
For more information, please contact:
Kim Ryan, Senior Media Advisor, Cancer Council Queensland (07) 3634 5239
The health of Queenslanders 2012: advancing good health. Fourth report of the Chief Health Officer Queensland.
CCQ’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea recipes
Star ingredient – Avocado!
Homemade avocado dip with tortilla chops
• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and seeds removed
• Half a red onion, diced
• 4-5 tablespoons low fat sour cream
• 1 large tomato, diced, seeds removed
• Squeeze of lemon juice
• 1 pack of tortilla wraps
• Spray olive oil
Place avocado flesh, red onion, lemon juice and sour cream in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Remove mixture from blender and fold through chopped tomatoes. Meanwhile cut tortilla wraps into triangles, spray with a small amount of oil and bake in a moderate oven for 5-10 minutes until slightly brown and crunchy. Serve with dip.
Avocado and tomato circles
• 2 tomatoes sliced
• 1 wholegrain baguette
• 3 ripe avocadoes peeled and mashed
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• Cracked pepper
• Twist of lemon
Mash avocado in a bowl and add a twist of lemon. Slice tomato and red onion and add to avocado mix. Cut wholegrain baguette into 1-2cm thick slices. Spread avocado mix on each baguette piece and crack pepper on top. Ready to serve!