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Diet Tips

• Enjoy your food – Eating should be one of the most pleasurable experiences in life. A healthy diet does not mean that certain foods are banned but rather it is achieving the correct balance between the different food groups.
• Eat a variety of different foods – The larger the variety of foods that is in you diet then the more likely it is that you will consume the wide variety of nutrients necessary for your food intake to be nutritionally complete
• Eat the correct amount to be a healthy weight – It is well known that being overweight leads to numerous health problems. Combining a healthy diet with sufficient exercise will help to achieve a healthy weight
• Eat plenty of foods rich in starch and fibre – Contrary to common belief, foods such as bread and potatoes are not fattening but provide key nutrients such as B vitamins and fibre and are filling without providing too much energy or fat. These foods should form the basis of a healthy diet
• Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables – These foods are major sources of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fibre and can help to detoxify the body by providing a wide range of antioxidants. Everyone should aim for 5 portions of fruit and vegetables daily and they can be taken as an ideal snack between meals
• Reduce fat intake – Eating too much fat can cause significant weight gain and increased cholesterol leading to heart disease. Saturated fat is particularly harmful and should be reduced as much as possible. Cooking methods should also be adapted with a reduction in frying and more boiling, baking, steaming or grilling foods
• Reduce sugary foods and drinks – These foods are fine as an occasional treat but if taken in excess they will result in the diet being too high in energy and lacking in essential nutrients causing weight gain and also tooth decay
• Drink alcohol sensibly – Modest amounts of alcohol are not harmful to the large majority of people but it is important to stay within recommended limits which are 21 – 28 weekly units for men and 1-21 weekly units for females