HEALTHY EATING

 Healthy Eating
WHAT IS HEALTHY EATING?
Healthy eating is about eating the correct foods. The correct balance will help ensure that we receive the nutrients that we all need and by eating healthily we will reduce the risk of serious diseases now and in the future.

We are also informed how to maintain a healthy diet during pregnancy, in babies, under five’s, older children and Adults. Healthy eating should be a way of life.

HEALTHY EATING - MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
A few years ago my GP advised me that I should lose weight. This was because of health problems that I began experiencing and the fact that there is a history of serious diseases in our family. I was shocked at the amount of weight that I had to lose (5 stones), but with the support, assistance and counsel of our practising nurse I lost the weight. Not only have I lost the weight but through healthy eating, a balanced diet and exercise I have managed to keep the weight off.

WHAT SUPPORT AND ADVICE DID I RECEIVE?
Having had a discussion about my lifestyle and foods that I ate, I was then introduced to healthy eating. I was pleased to find that there was some foods on the healthy list that I was eating but obviously not enough or often enough.

Here is a list of foods that was introduced to me or shall I say re-introduced to me.

  • plenty of starchy foods such as bread, rice, pasta, breakfast cereals, potatoes, yams and sweet potatoes - look for higher fibre versions where possible (eg wholemeal bread or pasta)


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


  • moderate amounts of dairy products (or alternatives) - look for low fat versions where possible


  • moderate amount of meat, fish or alternatives such as eggs, beans, peas and lentils - look for lower fat versions where possible


  • the occasional treat (foods that are higher in fat, salt and/or added sugar should only be eaten in moderation)


  • little salt - always read the label


  • Plenty of water and pure fruit drinks


The fact that I was given weekly appointments for a few weeks to ensure that I was not losing weight too quickly and to ensure that I was coping with the healthy eating programme, really encouraged me in knowing that someone had an interest in my well being and the information and advise given really made me look at the damage I was causing to my health.

I was also advised that if a felt like having a chocolate bar I should have it. Not having it at that time could encourage me to have more that I should later on.

At first I did not enjoy a lot of foods. With perseverance and seeing the results of a steady weight lose, helped me condition myself to eat healthily. Now eating healthily is a way of life for me and my family.

We regularly purchase a variety of five different fruits, to put in our children’s lunch box and for ourselves. The picture on the right is of a grocer based in London who sells fruit boxes. You will find grocers in your area doing the same. National Fruit Scheme

EXERCISE
When I first began to eat healthily I was advised by my nurse to refrain from exercise for a few weeks. This was to give my body time to adjust to the steady weight lose. I began exercising after a month.

I first began swimming which I still do now. I think that it is best to choose an exercise that you enjoy and you know that you can fit into your daily schedule. Ensure that when you begin this programme that it is something that you can and will maintain for YOURSELF.

PERSONAL OUTCOMES
I can honestly say that healthy eating has helped me manage my weight and our childrens weight and has improved our overall feeling of well-being.

Through healthy eating I have seen the change in our children’s performance at nursery and school. Even better it is fantastic to watch our children enjoy helping preparing food. It does not mattter what our culture is we can eatl healthly.

We exercise regularly, swimming, jogging and other sports.

SUPPORT IN SCHOOLS
Schools have actively embraced the recommended healthy eating programme.

In line with the guidance from the Department of Health our local Primary Care Trust will be weighing and measuring children privately in schools. This is another way of improving children’s health through healthy eating and exercise and a way of supporting schools in helping children understand eating healthily.



CONTACTS:
Healthy eating for babies
Healthy eating for breastfeeding
Information on weaning/suggestions on what food to feed your baby
Healthy Start
Welltown website(5-7 years)
Galaxy-H website (7-11)
Life Bytes website (11-14)
Mind, body & soul website (16-16)
Healthy weight
Welfare Food Scheme
Sports & hobbies (disabled people section)
Healthy living (health & well being section
Food Standards Agency
5 A Day
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