Guide to Healthy Eating

Before we look at healthy changes that you can make to your diet, let’s briefly explore the concept of eating mindfully.

Nutritious fresh food is relatively cheap, easily accessible and for many of us pleasurable. We say for most of us because some people view food as a necessity whilst others see food as a pleasurable past time, actually perhaps you think that eating is a hobby! Either way, it is important to understand what and why you choose certain food types.

Events can be anything from stress, boredom and loneliness.  If you think that events possibly trigger your eating habits then it could be that you associate relief or comfort with food. If you’re uncertain what exactly is fuelling your overeating behaviour, perhaps you could benefit from answering our questionnaires on Beliefs, Habits and Triggers (which you can receive as a Workshop Attendee, together with help on changes you may want to implement). Sometimes, our brain can trick us into missing the obvious!

We know that eating a healthy balanced diet is the safest way to lose weight and more importantly keep it off.

What simple steps can you take to start changing your eating patterns?

• Eat more fruit, vegetables, wholegrain breads, cereals, nuts, pulses (peas, beans and lentils), seeds and fish
• Eat less saturated fat from dairy and red meat sources
• Increase omega 3 fat to help reduce LDL (bad cholesterol)
• Moderate alcohol consumption
• Increase oily fish intake is a good source of vitamin D
• A diet rich in potassium and low in salt helps regulate blood pressure

Suggested food swaps