Eating well

Eating well is something simple we can all do to try and keep ourselves well and healthy in the interim between becoming unwell and receiving treatment. Here are some general tips to eating well:

Starchy foods such as bread, pasta, rice and potatoes should make up about a third of our diet. For adults and older children choose wholegrain or wholemeal varieties where possible.
Include fruit and vegetables at each meal as well as snacks, aiming for a variety and at least 5 portions per day.
Aim to consume adequate protein each day, examples include pulses (beans, lentils, and peas), nuts, Quorn, fish, eggs and meat.
Cut down on saturated fat by eating fewer cakes, sausages, cream, pies and cutting off visible fat from meat. Also try to reduce foods high in sugar or salt such as biscuits, pastries, sugary cereals, and highly-processed foods.
Opt for healthier snack options such as low fat/ sugar yoghurts, vegetable sticks with hummus or salsa dip, rice cakes with low fat cream cheese, oatcakes, unsalted popcorn or a slice of toasted fruit loaf.
Stay hydrated by drinking 6-8 glasses of water or sugar-free alternatives throughout the day. Plain water and milk are the only drinks children need.
Look at traffic light labelling on food and drink packaging. Having mainly green and amber products will help you to have a healthier diet.
Aim to have a regular eating pattern where possible. Monitor your food and drink intake by noting down your meals, snacks and drinks in a diary or by using an app, if you find this helpful.

Useful Resources

https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/ - Free NHS healthy weight plan to help you build healthier eating habits, be more active and become a healthy weight

https://nutritionskillsforlife.com/about-us/ help groups of people maintain or improve their health through what they eat and drink and has information on services locally to you.