Healthy eating and nutrition

Tips on a healthy diet.

Healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or avoiding all your favourite foods. Eating healthily is all about getting the balance right.

What is a healthy diet?

Did you know that an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption could reduce the incidence of cancer by at least 20%, while around 30% of coronary heart disease is diet-linked?

A healthy diet should include:

At least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day
Meals based on starchy foods, like whole grain bread, cereals, rice, pasta and potatoes
Limited amounts of processed and convenience foods as they often contain hidden fats, sugar and salt
Try to eat less salt - no more than 6g a day. Check labels and choose foods with lower salt
Drink plenty of water - aim for six to eight glasses (1.2 litres a day)
Try to choose low fat milk and dairy foods
Eat only small amounts of foods high in fats and sugar - cakes, biscuits, sweets, butter, hard cheese and fizzy drinks

Exercise and diet

Exercise plays an important part in the promotion of good health and just 30 minutes exercise, five days a week will keep you healthy. It is important to balance the energy you take in from food with the energy you burn through activity.