Eating a healthy, balanced diet not only helps us look and feel good, it helps us to stay healthy.
Benefits include:
The Eatwell Guide 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.
Fruit and vegetables - Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day.Potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates - Choose wholegrain or higher fibre versions with less added fat, salt and sugar.Oil & spreads - Choose unsaturated oils and use in small amounts.Dairy and alternatives - Choose lower fat and lower sugar options.Beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins - 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, visit the NHS website on healthy eating.
British Nutrition Foundation has lots of information on nutrition for students.
Here are some easy HealthyU recipes for students including a demonstration by chef, Sat Bains.
Portion sizes - Eating the correct sized portion goes hand in hand with eating a healthy diet. Find out more about portion sizes or get some top tips on portion control.
Download our free HealthyU recipe book
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 how to make your takeaway a healthier one.
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 NHS BMI healthy weight calculator.
The NHS has publised information on both how to lose weight safely and how to gain weight safely. For more information talk to your GP or Practice Nurse.
For a guide on how your diet can affect your mood, go to this link. 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 University Counselling Service or speak to the Students' Union Advice Centre.
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 NHS 12-week diet and exercise plan and other resources
B-eat - national information on eating disorders
NHS Choices
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