Healthy Eating - A Summary

Basic principles of a healthy diet

Eat plenty of starchy foods (complex carbohydrates)
The main part of most meals should be starchy foods such as bread, cereals, potatoes, rice, and pasta, together with fruit and vegetables. Some people wrongly think that starchy foods are 'fattening'. In fact, they contain about half the calories than the same weight of fat.

Eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables each day
One portion is: one large fruit such as an apple, pear, banana, orange, or a large slice of melon or pineapple, OR; two smaller fruits such as plums, satsumas, etc, OR; one cup of small fruits such as grapes, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, etc, OR; two large tablespoons of fruit salad, stewed or canned fruit, OR; one tablespoon of dried fruit, OR; one glass of fresh fruit juice (150ml), OR; a normal portion of any vegetable (about two tablespoons), OR; one dessert bowl of salad.

Eat protein foods in moderation
Meat, fish, nuts, pulses, chicken, and similar foods are high in protein. You need some protein to keep healthy. However, most people eat more protein than is needed. Choose poultry such as chicken, or lean meat. Oily fish is thought to help protect against heart disease. For example, herring, sardines, mackerel, salmon, kippers, pilchards, and fresh tuna (not tinned tuna). Aim to eat at least two portions of fish per week, at least one of which should be oily.

Don't eat too much fat

• Try not to fry much food. It is better to grill, bake, poach, barbecue, or boil food. If you do fry, use unsaturated oil such as corn, sunflower or olive oil. Drain off the oil before eating.
• Choose lean cuts of meat, and cut off any excess fat.
• Try not to add unnecessary fat to food. For example, use low fat spreads, spread less butter or margarine on bread, measure out small portions of oil for cooking, etc.
• Watch out for hidden fats that are in pastries, chocolate, cakes, and biscuits.
• Have low-fat milk, cheeses, yoghurts, and other dairy foods rather than full-fat varieties.
• Avoid cream. Use low fat salad cream, or low-fat yoghurt as a cream substitute.

Don't have too many sugary foods and drinks
These are high in calories, and too much may cause weight gain (and they are bad for your teeth).

Try not to eat too much salt
Use small amounts of salt with cooking, and don't add more salt at the table.

Don't drink too much alcohol
A small amount of alcohol (1-2 units per day) may help to protect you from heart disease. One unit is about half a pint of normal strength beer, or two thirds of a glass of wine, or one pub measure of spirits. However, too much can be harmful. Men should drink no more than 21 units per week (and no more than four units in any one day). Women should drink no more than 14 units per week (and no more than three units in any one day).

© EMIS and PIP 2006   Updated: July 2006   PRODIGY Validated

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest.

Find out more about updating.