Healthy eating tips

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Published on Thursday, 15 October 2009

We have compiled a list of ten top tips to help you eat and drink sensibly and have a healthier lifestyle.  See how many you can achieve:

1. Watch the clock – try and keep your meals routine.  People who have regular meal times and a consistent diet are better at achieving long-term weight loss than those who eat anytime and snack frequently.
2. Keep a lid on it – put your snacks in a box rather have a snack cupboard – this will make you aware of how many you eat.
3. Portion caution – many people eat healthy foods but just eat too much of them.  Try eating off smaller plates or try a portion pot. We have some free to give away , click on the link on the left to request a set.
4. Think about your drink – alcohol, fizzy sugary drinks or even some fruit juices can contain high numbers of calories. Stick to water to quench your thirst.
5. Focus on your food – while eating on the go, you can end up eating more than you know.  Try to sit down at a table to eat meals, you’ll enjoy your food more and notice Look beyond the label – check the small print, not just the headline food label. Go reduced fat – choosing low fat versions of sauces, dairy produce or salad Five-a-day – five portions of fruit and vegetables included in your daily food intake will help you feel fuller and reduce the risk of cancer or heart disease.
6. Look beyond the label – check the small print, not just the headline food label. ‘Low in fat’ can often mean high in sugar, while ‘low in sugar’ may mean high in fat!
7. Go reduced fat – choosing low fat versions of sauces, dairy produce or salad dressings will help cut the calories and reduce your weight.
8. Five-a-day – five portions of fruit and vegetables included in your daily food intake will help you feel fuller and reduce the risk of cancer or heart disease.
9. Plan to succeed – plan your meals and never shop on an empty stomach.  Walk to the shops and buy what you intended to buy – not all those tempting snacks.
10. And finally... combine your new approach to healthy eating with some physical activity to burn off the calories – every step helps – with ideally 60 to 90 minutes of moderate activity a day.

There are many other sources of good advice on adopting a healthier lifestyle.  Cancer Research UK has its own ten top tips which are worth a look.  According to the charity in the UK alone, 12,000 people every year could avoid getting cancer by maintaining a healthy body weight.