As we come into Spring, now is a good opportunity for you to look at your diet and give it a spring clean! In the long term, a healthy diet combined with physical activity will make a huge difference to your overall health.
Aim be a healthy weight
It’s not a good idea to be either underweight or overweight. Being overweight can lead to health conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. Being underweight could also affect your health. Making changes to your diet and becoming more active are essential for weight loss.
Don’t skip breakfast
Breakfast can help give us the energy we need to get us going in the mornings, as well as some of the vitamins and minerals we need for good health. Research shows that people who eat breakfast are less likely to be hungry during the rest of the day and are, therefore, less likely to overeat. Porridge or fortified cereals are a good choice.
Include starchy foods in all your meals
The type of carbohydrate we eat has a big impact on our energy levels. Try to eat more complex carbohydrates like potatoes, wholemeal bread, wholegrain cereals, brown rice and pasta, and avoid too many sugary foods. These types of foods release energy slowly and keep you going for longer.
Eat lots of fruit and vegetables
When it comes to meal time, think texture and taste in order to make an ordinary meal a tantalizing feast. Use a combination of fruit and vegetables, to add variety, taste and colour and don’t be afraid to experiment with vegetables you may not have tried before. Try to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables of as many different colours as possible; red and yellow peppers, carrots, broccoli etc.
Include good fats in your diet
Not all fats are bad for you. By making a few simple changes in your diet you can have a balanced amount of good fat in your diet. Avoid saturated fats from animal foods like whole milk dairy products and fatty meats as they can raise your cholesterol levels. Instead, use small amounts of polyunsaturated spreads and oils like sunflower oil, or monounsaturated fats like olive oil.