Eat yourself healthy

While many have opted to go dry or committed to a vegan diet for January, making healthier choices this year doesn’t need to be quite so drastic.

Even small changes to our existing lifestyles can prove to be highly beneficial in the long run, and one of the easiest ways to kickstart a healthier year is through returning to the basics of nutrition.

We often hear the term “balanced diet”, but what does this actually look like? According to the NHS we should try to:

Eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables daily

Base meals on higher fibre starchy foods such as potatoes, bread, rice, or pasta

Eat some protein in the form of beans, pulses, fish, eggs, or meat

Have at least six to eight glasses of fluid a day (water, lower fat milk, and sugarfree drinks)

Have some dairy or dairy alternatives

While one 150ml glass of juice or smoothie can count toward your five-a-day, be sure not to rely on them as your sole source of fruit and veg as their high sugar levels can contribute to tooth decay.

It’s also important to bear in mind the many myths we see about sugar, fats, and salt. All three are normal components of a healthy and balanced diet, but the key here is balance – too much of any of them can be harmful.

On pre-packaged foods at the shop, it’s always a good idea to refer to the nutrition labels which provide a quick guide to the fat, sugar, and salt content in a serving. In some cases, however, the manufacturer’s portion size may vary from what you may serve so pay close attention.