Healthy Eating
Balanced Diet
Despite what you see in some diet books and TV programmes, healthy eating can be really straightforward.
A diet based on starchy foods such as rice and pasta, with plenty of fruit and vegetables, some protein-rich foods such as meat, fish and lentils, and some milk and dairy foods (and not too much fat, salt or sugar) will give you all the nutrients that you need.
When it comes to a healthy diet, balance is the key to getting it right. This means eating a wide variety of foods in the right proportions.
But achieving that balance in modern life can be tricky. After a long day, it can be tempting to grab the first ready meal on the supermarket shelf, which is OK occasionally. But the nutritional labels on these foods show that many ready meals contain high levels of fat, added sugar and salt. If you eat ready meals too often, they'll upset the balance in your diet.
For more information, visit the NHS website, www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pages/Healthyeating.aspx
Trying to eat more healthily can seem daunting. In fact, by changing just a few eating habits you make a big difference to your diet.
Making that change will mean you'll get more of the nutrients your body needs. It will help you to achieve your 5 A DAY portions of fruit and vegetables. And it could help you to shed excess pounds and achieve a healthy weight.
It's all about avoiding high calorie, low nutrient, unhealthy foods and swapping them for something healthier. You could try:
- Swapping your fatty, sugary snacks for fruit and vegetables.
- Reducing portion sizes.
- Drinking plenty of water.
Remember, small changes add up.
Healthy Breakfasts
A good breakfast has a lot of health benefits and can be quicker and easier than you might think.
Those who eat breakfast regularly are less likely to be overweight. And research shows that children who eat breakfast perform better on standardised achievement tests, and have fewer behavioural problems in school. So why not boost your brain and body by starting the day with a delicious healthy breakfast?
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