Healthy eating is not only important for maintaining a healthy weight but also for lowering cholesterol, reducing the chance of heart disease, improving sleep and living longer!
Try to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables
Aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day. A key tip is to include a variety of different vibrant colours, this way you will get a range of varied vitamins and minerals. It doesn’t have to be all fresh fruit and vegetables either. Frozen, tinned (in juice) and dried fruit and vegetables all count towards your daily quota.
Eat more fish
Fish is a great source of lean protein and the omega-3 oils in certain oily fish have been linked to improvements in cardiovascular disease and mental health issues. Try adding an extra portion of fish on a weekly basis to benefit.
Reduce your sugar intake
Sugar is high in calories and terrible for your teeth. Try cutting down, and if you do indulge remember to brush your teeth straight away to prevent damage. If you add sugar to your tea, try it without. The flavour may taste bitter at first but taste buds do adjust in time.
Reduce your intake of saturated fats
Fat is a vital part of our everyday diet, but it is important to remember there are different types. The most commonly known groups are saturated and unsaturated. Saturated fats, including butter, lard and animal rind, should be limited; but don’t cut out unsaturated options, such as nuts, olives, sunflower oil and avocado.
Cut down on salt
Salt is added to many common foods including biscuits, ready meals and crisps. Where possible try to check the labels of all the food you eat and aim to reduce your salt intake to less than 6g each day.
Drink lots of water
Think of your body like a water wheel. Hydrate steadily throughout the day to maintain optimum performance. It is important to drink around 6 to 8 glasses each day to avoid dehydration.
© CABA 2011