Find A Professional
More Videos On This Subjectdiagnosis
Survivor of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm rupture appeals for men to take up NHS Screening Programme.
NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme; Preventing Type 2 and improving outcomes for people with diabetes
Talking therapy 'should be offered before pills' for people with insomnia | NHS Behind the Headlines
Top 10 Tips for Healthy Eating
1. Embrace a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is key to maintaining good health. It should include a variety of foods from all the major food groups: fruits, vegetables, proteins, dairy, and grains. In the UK, the Eatwell Guide is a great resource to help you understand the portions and choices to make for a balanced diet.
2. Incorporate More Fruits and Vegetables
Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables will provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Aim for at least five portions a day, which can include fresh, frozen, or canned options. Remember, a portion is roughly a handful, so keep that in mind when serving.
3. Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is essential for overall health. Try to drink 6-8 glasses of fluid a day, including water, lower-fat milk, sugar-free drinks, tea, and coffee. In the UK, tap water is safe to drink and a great choice for staying hydrated.
4. Choose Whole Grains
Whole grains are more nutritious than refined grains as they contain more fiber and nutrients. Opt for whole grain bread, pasta, and cereals to improve your digestive health and keep you feeling fuller for longer.
5. Cut Back on Sugar
Excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain and tooth decay. Be mindful of the sugar in your diet, especially hidden sugars in processed foods and beverages. Read food labels and choose products with lower sugar content whenever possible.
6. Keep an Eye on Salt
High salt intake can lead to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular issues. Adults should aim for no more than 6g of salt a day. Reduce your salt intake by cooking at home and avoiding processed and ready-made meals that often contain excess salt.
7. Eat Healthy Fats
Not all fats are bad for you. Replace saturated fats with unsaturated fats found in oily fish, avocados, nuts, and seeds. These healthy fats can support heart health and improve cholesterol levels. Use olive oil or rapeseed oil for cooking instead of butter or lard.
8. Watch Your Portion Sizes
Controlling portion sizes is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight. Be mindful of the quantities you are consuming, especially with high-calorie foods. Use smaller plates and be conscious of serving sizes stated on food packaging.
9. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is high in calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues. The UK Chief Medical Officers recommend not drinking more than 14 units a week, spread evenly over three or more days. Try having several alcohol-free days each week.
10. Plan Your Meals
Meal planning can help you make healthier choices and avoid last-minute, unhealthy options. Take some time each week to design a menu that includes a variety of nutritious meals. Shopping with a list can also ensure you buy ingredients that support your healthy eating goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top 10 tips for healthy eating?
1. Eat a variety of foods. 2. Base meals on higher fibre starchy carbohydrates. 3. Eat lots of fruit and veg. 4. Eat more fish, including a portion of oily fish. 5. Cut down on saturated fat and sugar. 6. Eat less salt. 7. Get active and be a healthy weight. 8. Do not get thirsty, drink plenty of fluids. 9. Do not skip breakfast. 10. Read labels on packaged foods.
Why is it important to eat a variety of foods?
Eating a variety of foods ensures you get a range of nutrients necessary for good health, as no single food can provide all the nutrients your body needs.
What are higher fibre starchy carbohydrates?
Higher fibre starchy carbohydrates include whole grains like wholewheat, brown rice, oats, and wholemeal bread which help in digestion and maintaining energy levels.
How many portions of fruit and vegetables should I eat each day?
Aim to eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day to ensure you’re getting essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
Why should I eat more fish?
Fish is a good source of protein and contains many vitamins and minerals. Aim to eat at least two portions of fish a week, including one of oily fish like salmon or mackerel, which are high in omega-3 fats.
How can I reduce saturated fat and sugar in my diet?
To reduce saturated fat, choose lean cuts of meat, low-fat dairy products, and cook with plant-based oils. To reduce sugar, limit sugary drinks, sweets, and desserts, and opt for alternatives like fruits to satisfy your sweet cravings.
What are some ways to reduce salt intake?
Avoid adding salt during cooking and at the table, use herbs and spices for flavour, check labels on processed foods, and choose lower-sodium options.
How does physical activity contribute to healthy eating?
Being active helps you balance the calories you consume with the calories you use, maintaining a healthy weight, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
What fluids are best for staying hydrated?
Water is the best choice for staying hydrated. Other options include milk, herbal teas, and limited amounts of pure fruit juice and no-added-sugar drinks.
Why is breakfast important?
Breakfast provides energy for the day ahead and essential nutrients that are important for good health. Options like wholegrain cereal, yoghurt, and fruit are nutritious choices.
How can I use food labels to make healthier choices?
Food labels provide information on the nutritional content of foods, such as calories, fats, sugars, and salt. Use them to compare products and choose options that are lower in these while higher in fibre and nutrients.
What are some healthy snack options?
Healthy snacks include fruits, vegetables, unsalted nuts, low-fat yoghurt, and wholegrain options like oats or wholemeal bread.
Can I have treats and still eat healthily?
Yes, you can have treats occasionally. The key is balance and moderation, ensuring treats do not replace nutritious foods.
How can I maintain a healthy weight?
Maintain a healthy weight by balancing the energy you consume through food and drink with the energy you use through physical activity. Eat a variety of foods, watch portion sizes, and stay active.
What is one tip for mindful eating?
One tip for mindful eating is to eat slowly and without distractions like television or smartphones. This helps you enjoy your food, recognize hunger and fullness cues, and prevent overeating.
Useful Links
Useful links from: NHS Health check - Cholesterol
- NHS Health Check: Cholesterol Overview of NHS Health Check, including what is involved and why it's important. Includes information on cholesterol as part of the health check.
- British Heart Foundation: Understanding Cholesterol Comprehensive guide on cholesterol from the British Heart Foundation, covering what cholesterol is, how to manage it, and its impact on heart health.
- Heart UK: Cholesterol and NHS Health Check Detailed information from HEART UK on how cholesterol testing fits into the NHS Health Check and why it's important for managing heart health.
- NHS: High Cholesterol - Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment NHS guide to high cholesterol, including causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and ways to lower cholesterol as part of a healthier lifestyle.
Useful links from: NHSGGC - Orthostatic Hypotension (OH)
- NHS - Orthostatic Hypotension (Postural Hypotension) Comprehensive resource from the NHS providing an overview of orthostatic hypotension, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
- British Heart Foundation - Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) Information from the British Heart Foundation detailing the causes, effects, and management of low blood pressure, with a subsection on orthostatic hypotension.
- Patient.info - Postural Hypotension A detailed article for healthcare professionals from Patient.info discussing the clinical aspects, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of postural hypotension.
- Dystonia UK - Postural Hypotension Resource from Dystonia UK that explores the relationship between dystonia and postural hypotension, with tips for managing symptoms.
More Videos On This Subjectdiagnosis
Survivor of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm rupture appeals for men to take up NHS Screening Programme.
NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme; Preventing Type 2 and improving outcomes for people with diabetes
Talking therapy 'should be offered before pills' for people with insomnia | NHS Behind the Headlines
Have you found an error, or do you have a link or some information you would like to share? Please let us know using the form below.
- Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
- To turn off Captions, click settings again.