Tips For a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is an eating plan that helps you manage your weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes and maintain a strong, resilient body. It focuses on foods that are high in dietary fibre, calcium and vitamin D and low in added sugars, sodium (salt) and saturated and trans fats.A key part of a healthy diet is variety. You should aim to eat meals and snacks that are different each day so you can get all the nutrients you need from your food.You should also make sure you eat enough fruits and vegetables. Aim for at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. This can be fresh, frozen or canned veg and is important for your overall health and lowers the risk of some cancers, heart disease and obesity.Choose wholegrains over refined grains. These contain more dietary fibre, iron and zinc. They are also higher in thiamin and folate. Choose quinoa, brown rice, barley and oats.Try to cook at home more, as this will help you control the amount of salt and saturated fat in your food. Plan ahead and make meals that are easy to prepare, such as soups, stews, casseroles, pasta dishes or bolognese sauces. Having these on hand in the fridge will help you resist the temptation to eat something unhealthy when the hunger pangs hit.If you do eat out, opt for healthier options. Avoid deep fried and pastry-based foods and choose lean meats, fish, eggs, tofu or beans/peas. Try to limit the amount of added sauces and toppings – these are often high in calories, fat and sodium.Keep your pantry stocked with herbs and spices – they can add flavour to meals without the extra salt. Try basil, parsley, cumin, curry powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder or salt-free seasoning blends. They can also be used to add a kick to healthy recipes that are lacking in taste.Invest in a slow cooker or airfryer to make cooking at home quicker and easier. If you want to buy ready-made meals, check the Nutrition Facts label for the serving size and total amount of sodium. Choose tomato-based pasta sauces over cream-based ones, and ask for no or reduced-sodium ketchup and soy sauce.Try to eat more protein from plants, such as nuts, beans, peas and lentils. These are more affordable than meat and have less saturated fat. Use them to top salads, fill sandwiches, or add to stews and omelets.Eating a healthy diet can help you feel more energised and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. It can also help improve your mental wellbeing by reducing the risk of depression and anxiety. It may even help you live longer! The main cause of death in the UK is from chronic disease, which can be triggered by many things, including poor diet. By making some simple changes to your diet, you can have a positive impact on your health.