Healthy Eating

Why is it Important?

There is research to suggest that what we eat may affect not just our physical health, but also our mental health and wellbeing. Improving your diet may help to improve your mood, give you more energy and help you think more clearly to make better choices. Healthy eating has also been proven to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
This page aims to give you lots of useful information and resources so you can take the necessary steps to use diet to improve your mental health and well-being.

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The Eatwell Guide

The Eatwell Guide shows how much of what we eat overall should come from each food group to achieve a healthy, balanced diet.

You do not need to achieve this balance with every meal, but try to get the balance right over a day or even a week.

For more information about the Eatwell guide and what you can do to improve your diet, click on the image.

Nutrition Labels

Food labels provide a lot of useful information about what foods and drinks contain. Food labelling is required to be clear, easy to read and not misleading, so that you can be better informed about the foods and drinks you are going to buy (including allergens).

Using these food labels when shopping can help you make healthier choices, for example, by choosing foods and drinks that are:

Lower in fat and saturated fat
Lower in sugar
Lower in salt
Lower in calories

What are Reference Intakes?

Reference Intakes (RIs) replaced Guideline Daily Amounts, which used to appear on food labels. These have been set by European law and are based on an average adult doing an average amount of physical activity. An adult's RI's for a day are:

The above information was taken from the 'British Nutrition Foundation' website. They provide lots of great information on the foods we eat, their nutritional values and how we can improve our diets. Click on the large food label image to visit their website.

Food for the Brain

A charitable foundation raising awareness of the importance of optimum nutrition in mental health. They work to inform organisations and empower individuals to change their diet and lifestyle and take greater control of their own mental health.

Phone: 0300 365 0130
Email: info@foodforthebrain.org
Website: Click on the image

NHS Website

The NHS website has lots of great information regarding nutrition and healthy eating including food and diet information with a calorie checker, recipes and tips, digestive health, and much much more.

Website: Click on the image

There are lots of handy apps that provide recipes, meal plans, trackers, food diaries and calorie counters.
Here are a few examples to get you started...

Change4Life

This free smart recipe app is an easy way to help you and your family eat healthy meals.

Weekly Meal Planner

Supplies delicious healthy food recipes and the exact amount of fresh ingredients you need.

My Fitness Pal

Take control of your goals. Track calories, break down ingredients, and log activities.

Vegan

100's of vegan recipes at your finger tips. Unique recipes, tips and resources available.