Want to switch to healthy eating, but don't know where to begin? These Healthy Eating Guidelines can help, but first, make sure you know what a healthy diet is. Then follow these quick tips to get you started.
Switching to a healthier diet is a gradual process, so don't attempt it all in one swoop. Follow the these healthy eating guidelines bit by bit, and drop the less healthy foods gradually, replacing them with healthier choices. Establish each new healthy eating habit before you start on the next.
CHANGE THE WAY YOU EAT
Start every day with a delicious healthy breakfast.
Check out healthy eating plans, and start using ideas from them one by one.
Aim to get more fresh fruit and vegetables into every meal of the day. They're packed full of essential nutrients.
Cut down on the amount of meat you eat, or consider switching to healthy vegetarian eating.
Eat more fish.
Learn how you can eat healthily in restaurants, on holidays and on special occasions.
Don't become obsessive! The occasional plate of chips, bar of chocolate, or ready-meal won't harm you, or anyone in your family. Problems only start if you eat these foods all the time. A little indulgence now and then, when your main diet is well-balanced and healthy, is fine.
COOKING HEALTHILY
Cook simple foods. Easy healthy recipes that use fresh, seasonal ingredients are the ones to look for.
Brush up on healthier cooking techniques and invest in any cooking equipment you need.
Use good ingredients and simple cooking methods, to let flavours shine through and speak for themselves, with no need for rich sauces or fancy garnishes.
SHOP WELL
Stick these healthy eating guidelines on the fridge, and run your eye over them before you hit the shops.
Fresh, seasonal, local and, where possible, organic. These are your food-buying mantras.
Choose fresh over processed, every time. Wise up on food additives and get the fast food facts.
Try to wean yourself off supermarket dependency. Explore local shops, farmers' markets, organic box schemes, online organic suppliers.
Spend wisely. Buy organic whenever you can. Better to buy a smaller amount of top-quality organic free-range chicken, and bulk it out with vegetables and pulses, than buy a larger quantity of low-quality battery chicken.
Talk to the people who sell you the food. Where was your fish caught, and when? Is the produce local? What's in the bread and cakes?
Find out what varieties of apple or potato are on sale at your farmers market, and ask what's the best way to use them.
Get out of your shopping rut, and have fun experimenting. Every time you shop, buy one fresh ingredient that you've never tried before. You're guaranteed to make some delicious discoveries.
