Healthy Eating
Bupa's Health Information Team, December 2010
Why is healthy eating important?
There is good evidence that eating a healthy diet can reduce your risk of obesity and illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and some types of cancer. The food you eat contains several different types of nutrients, which are all required for the many vital processes in your body.
A balanced diet
You need to eat a range of foods to get all of the nutrients and fibre your body needs. The five main food groups are 1. Starchy Foods 2. Fruit and Vegetables 3. Milk and Other Dairy Foods 4. Meat, Fish, Eggs, Beans and Other Non-Dairy Sources of Protein 5. Foods High in Fat or Sugar.
Improving your diet
Aim to eat three balanced meals a day with healthy snacks in between if you need them. Breakfast is important so don't skip it, especially if you're trying to lose weight.
Making changes
Changing your eating habits should be a gradual process. Don't be tempted to make drastic changes overnight or fall into the trap of making common dieting mistakes. Small, day-to-day changes will have a much bigger and more long-lasting effect.