Healthy Eating

Healthy Eating

Having a healthy diet is not just eating salad or cutting out chocolate and crisps for good, but about having a variety of foods in the right amount to maintain a healthy weight and get all the nutrients that your body needs.

Foods from the four following food groups should make up the basis of your meals:

•Bread, rice, potatoes, pasta and other cereals

•Fruit and vegetables

•Meat, fish and alternatives

•Milk and dairy foods

Our qualified Health Trainers can show that a little planning, moderation and a few simple changes can make a big difference and we can help you whether you are trying to lose or gain weight or even if you just want to change the things you eat and drink.

Our top tips for a Healthy Diet are:

•Base your meals on starchy foods such as bread, cereals, rice, pasta and potatoes

•Eat lots of fruit and vegetables; try to have 3 portions of vegetable and 2 portions of fruit per day.

•Aim to eat two portions of fish a week, including a portion of oily fish

•Cut down on saturated fats and sugar

•Try to eat less salt

•Do not skip breakfast

•Drink plenty of water

(Source: http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/eatwellplate/

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Goodfood/Pages/eight-tips-healthy-eating.aspx)

(Issued 26th January 2011. Reviewed 16^th January 2012. Next review date 26^th January 2013)

Health Trainers can help you to think about you and your family’s diet and answer any questions you have.

If you’re worried about your weight, Portsmouth Health Trainers can offer a free weight management service or help you find more specialist services.

We asked some of our existing clients to tell us about their experience with the Health Trainers service in Portsmouth.

Success Story

When Mark Parker found that he needed to lose weight to be able to have an operation he knew he needed external help.

In the past family and friends tried to be supportive but were often condescending.

He went to a local community centre in Portsmouth to see a Health Trainer as he was in a situation where he wanted to change but needed support outside of his family and friends.

The interview with Mark Parker is in his own words and explains how he lost weight with the help of the Health Trainers. Click here to read Mark’s story.