How to Maintain a Healthy Nutritional Balance

A simple guide to eating well

(1 of 2 pages)

Healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated. It doesn't mean existing on carrot juice and muesli - your kids can still enjoy party food whilst you can eat the occasional chocolate bar or relax with a glass of wine.

Eating well is about a sense or proportion and balance, as the following golden rules of healthy eating show:

Eat a wide variety of different foods.

No food needs to be totally excluded from your diet - except occasionally for special medical reasons.

Eat plenty of foods rich in starch and fibre.

Try to base family meals around foods such as bread, pasta, rice, breakfast cereals, potatoes etc. These are versatile, highly nutritious and usually inexpensive.

Avoid too many fatty and sugary foods.

Try grilling or baking instead of frying or roasting, and when you do use oil, choose one that says it is high in polyunsaturates or monounsaturates. Don't eat too many sweets or chocolates as they can lead to tooth decay.

Eat fruit and vegetables every day.

Adults should aim to eat at least five different portions of fruit and vegetables every day. All types count, including fresh, frozen, canned and fruit juices. The key here is variety! You can check what counts by using Nutracheck's food diary (www.nutracheck.co.uk).