Diet and nutrition

We all know we should be eating more healthily, however it's not always easy.

Here are some guidelines to help you maintain a healthy diet:

• eat a balanced diet rather than follow the latest eating fad
• eat five portions of fruit and vegetables - a variety of fresh, tinned, frozen or dried - every day eg a banana, glass of orange juice, two tablespoons of peas, carrot etc. If you eat a variety of colours, you are more likely to be getting a good range of vitamins and minerals
• make starchy foods eg breads, pasta, rice or potatoes the main part of your meals and eat moderate amounts of lean meat and alternatives, such as beans and pulses, fish (oily fish eg salmon, sardines, mackerel) and low fat dairy products
• choose unsaturated fats for spreading and cooking e.g. sunflower, corn, or olive oil products, but remember they are all high in calories
• there are no 'good' or 'bad' foods - it is how often, how much and how food is cooked or prepared that is important. Foods high in fat, sugar and salt can form part of a healthy diet if eaten occasionally
• the NHS Direct website provides ideas and suggestions for making changes to your lifestyle, including healthy eating advice, to help you look and feel better, live longer and reduce your chances of falling ill.  

For information on local support please refer to the related information on the right of this page.