Healthy eating

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.