The benefits of good nutrition
Eating a healthy, balanced diet not only helps us look and feel good, it helps us to stay healthy.
- increased energy and stamina
- improved sleep and concentration
- a positive impact on your mood and wellbeing
- helps you to maintain a healthy body weight
- lowers your risk of developing chronic health risks such as heart disease and cancer
What makes a healthy diet?
divides the foods we eat and drink into five main food groups. Try to choose a variety of different foods from each of the groups to help you get the wide range of nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.
- Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day.
- Choose wholegrain or higher fibre versions with less added fat, salt and sugar.
- Choose unsaturated oils and use in small amounts.
- Choose lower fat and lower sugar options.
- Eat more beans and pulses, two portions of sustainably sourced fish per week, one of which is oily. Eat less red and processed meat.
For more information, on healthy eating.
has lots of information on nutrition for students. This is
HealthyU recipes
Here are some easy HealthyU recipes for students including a demonstration by chef, Sat Bains.
Top tips for healthy meals
- Eating the correct sized portion goes hand in hand with eating a healthy diet. Find out more about or get some top tips on .
Takeaways
A takeaway meal is okay once in a while, but fast food is often unhealthier than home-cooked meals. It contains higher amounts of salt, unhealthy fat, additives and is often loaded with calories. Get some tips on .
BMI (body mass index)
BMI is a measure of whether you're a healthy weight for your height. Your age, sex and ethnicity is also taken into consideration. Find out your BMI number by using the .
The NHS has publised information on both and For more information talk to your GP or Practice Nurse.
Emotions and eating
For a guide on how your diet can affect your mood, go to this . Includes healthy eating tips to improve your mental wellbeing.
Do you have food rituals? Exercise excessively to control your weight? Obsessed about your calorie intake? Or comfort eat when feeling emotional?
If any of these sound familiar, then it is important to get help. Anyone, regardless of sex, age, cultural or racial background can develop an eating disorder.
For more information, talk to your GP or Practice Nurse, contact the confidential or speak to the .
Diet and cancer
Keeping to a healthy weight and maintaining a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of developing some cancers. Find out how healthy eating can help prevent cancer:
Find out how you can lose weight healthily with the and other resources
Getting help
- national information on eating disorders