1. INTRODUCTION
Physical inactivity, overweight and obesity, high blood pressure and high blood sugar are among the five leading global risks for mortality in the world [1]. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), decreased physical activity, fruit and vegetable consumption and increased sugar and fat consumption are identified as major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, cancer, metabolic syndrome and obesity [2]. Women are at increased risk of weight gain during their childbearing years and across the life span [3]. Obesity during pregnancy, the perinatal and the postpartum period has several negative consequences for the obese woman. Some of these include gestational diabetes mellitus, pre-eclampsia, thromboembolic disease, postpartum haemorrhage, spontaneous onset of labour and increased risk of anaesthetic complications [4]. Maternal obesity is associated with several major risks to the fetus, such as congenital abnormalities, macrosomia and increased risk of intrauterine death [5]. The Australian Dietary Guidelines recommend that women (19 to 60 years) eat at least four to seven serves of vegetables and legumes and three serves of fruit daily. However, 96% of females aged 25 - 34 years and 94% aged 35 - 44 years fail to meet these guidelines [6]. While women’s physical activity levels decrease significantly after childbirth, due to life transitions that affect their priorities and lifestyle, it often results in insufficient daily levels of physical activity