The Way We Eat: Transformation Needed to Boost Health

The nation needs to ‘transform’ the way we eat after a report found less than 1% of the population follow all of the Government’s healthy eating advice.

The British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) has said that following the Eatwell Guide would have a hugely positive impact on health, with the recommendation of at least five portions of fruit and veg a day at the forefront of that opinion.

The Eatwell Guide, delivered by the NHS, shows how much of what we eat overall should come from specific food groups to promote a balanced diet.

On average, women should have around 2,000 calories a day, while men should have around 2,500 calories a day; the reality is most adults consume more calories than is required.

“There is room for improvement for almost all of us,” said BNF Director General Prof Judy Buttriss when discussing the way we eat.

“It’s vital that nutrition is central in discussions about transformation of food systems so that we don’t risk encouraging dietary changes that might benefit the environment but could be detrimental to people’s health.”

The Eatwell Guide encourages us to eat a range of foods so you are taking on board a wide variety of nutrients which the body needs to stay healthy.

Some fat in your diet is ok, but foods high in fat, salt and sugar aren’t part of a healthy diet and should be avoided wherever possible, and if they are eaten then they should be consumed in small amounts.

The NHS offers excellent advice on how to improve your eating habits and create a healthier diet with an article discussing eight tips for healthy eating.

Exercise plays a part in a healthy lifestyle, alongside a healthier diet, so click here to be taken to our quick exercise videos on our YouTube channel, which you can mix and match to create a varied workout routine that can be done at home.