The benefits of good nutrition
Eating a healthy, balanced diet not only helps us look and feel good, it helps us to stay healthy.
- increased energy and stamina
- improved sleep and concentration
- a positive impact on your mood and wellbeing
- helps you to maintain a healthy body weight
- lowers your risk of developing chronic health risks such as heart disease and cancer
What makes a healthy diet?
The Eatwell Guide divides the foods we eat and drink into five main food groups. Try to choose a variety of different foods from each of the groups to help you get the wide range of nutrients your body needs to stay healthy.
- Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day.
- Choose wholegrain or higher fibre versions with less added fat, salt and sugar.
- Choose unsaturated oils and use in small amounts.
- Choose lower fat and lower sugar options.
- Eat more beans and pulses, two portions of sustainably sourced fish per week, one of which is oily. Eat less red and processed meat.
For more information, visit the NHS website on healthy eating.
British Nutrition Foundation has lots of information on nutrition for students.
Takeaways
A takeaway meal is okay once in a while, but fast food is often unhealthier than home-cooked meals. It contains higher amounts of salt, unhealthy fat, additives and is often loaded with calories. Get some tips on how to make your takeaway a healthier one.
Emotions and eating
For a guide on how your diet can affect your mood, go to this link. Includes healthy eating tips to improve your mental wellbeing.
Do you have food rituals? Exercise excessively to control your weight? Obsessed about your calorie intake? Or comfort eat when feeling emotional?
If any of these sound familiar, then it is important to get help. Anyone, regardless of sex, age, cultural or racial background can develop an eating disorder.
For more information, talk to your GP or Practice Nurse, contact the confidential University Counselling Service or speak to the Students' Union Advice Centre.
Diet and cancer
Keeping to a healthy weight and maintaining a balanced diet can help reduce the risk of developing some cancers. Find out how healthy eating can help prevent cancer:
Find out how you can lose weight healthily with the NHS 12-week diet and exercise plan and other resources