Healthy eating habits helps you stay healthy, and helps you manage and avoid a number of long term conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer, amongst other benefits.
Following a healthy diet can help you to keep a healthy weight, as well as helping you to feel your best. There's also good evidence that eating a healthy diet can reduce your risk of:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Osteoporosis
- Some types of cancer.
Even if you have a health condition, a healthy diet can benefit your health
Eating a well-balanced, healthy diet provides your body with the essential nutrients it needs to function on a daily basis. Healthy foods keep your brain active, provide you with energy and strengthen bones and muscles. Maintaining a healthy diet can also help you manage your weight, prevent chronic diseases and alleviate stress. The Eatwell guide provides information on the different food groups and portion sizes required for a healthy and balanced diet.
Useful links and resources
- NHS Choices
There is lots of useful information, apps and videos on a range of health topics. - NHS Change4Life
Contains some good apps including a sugar smart and smart recipe app, and you can also sign up for lots of free support, tips, ideas and recipes. - NHS Start4Life
Contains useful information about breastfeeding, early weaning and ensuring a healthy start to life. - BDA food factsheets
For factsheets on healthy eating and nutrition.