Give it a go this Healthy Eating week

This Healthy Eating Week (10-14 June), we are encouraging everyone to ‘Give it a go’ by trying just one extra portion of fruit and vegetables, increasing their fibre intake, being a little bit more active or trying a new recipe.  

Healthy Eating week is run by the British Nutrition Foundation - a leading UK nutrition charity who provide free evidence-based resources, support, and advice. 

Many of us would like to improve our health through diet and exercise, but find the variety of suggestions and advice can be overwhelming. So we're encouraging you this week to give it a go by choose one thing and making a start because the small changes start to add up!

The British Nutrition Foundation tells us that a healthy, balanced diet helps make sure that our bodies get all the nutrients needed to work well and feel good. There’s plenty of evidence that shows eating healthily can also reduce the risk of diseases like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer. 

The key to healthy eating is having a  balance of different foods and nutrients in your diet. In the UK, the healthy eating model is called the Eatwell Guide.

Although there is no ‘one size fits all’ for a healthy diet, there are six principles that are recommended. 

• Get your five a day 

• Include enough fibre 

• Make sure you have protein 

• Include dairy or its alternatives 

• Choose the right fats 

• Enjoy certain foods in moderation 

Add in stay hydrated and get moving and your body and mind will thank you. 

You can find more on the principals above at the British Nutrition Foundation 

So which will you pick to ‘give it a go’? If its move more remember, you don’t need to head to the gym - housework, gardening, playing with the kids or walking the dog it all counts. Be inspired with recipes and exercise suggestions at NHS Better Health