How good we look and feel depends a lot on what we eat.
Our bodies need different types and amounts of food depending on our age and how active we are.
The knowledge around good nutrition, eating the right amounts of the right types of food aren’t new, in fact they haven’t changed for years and years.
We have changed however, as many of us now do far less exercise than our parents. More of us work in offices instead of in a manual job. The majority of us drive to work or take the kids to school by car instead of walking or cycling. Children spend less time ‘playing out’ and more time in front of the TV or computer screen.
Eating healthily needn’t be difficult or boring and there is no need to cut out all the naughty but nice foods we all love.
We do however need to eat a balanced diet of approximately 1/3 fruit and vegetables, 1/3 starchy foods such as bread, potatoes rice and pasta and 1/3 meat, fish and dairy foods. Foods which are high in sugar or fat such as sweets, chocolate, cakes, snacks such as crisps and fizzy drinks should be kept to a minimum. Find more information at: food.gov.uk (external link) And remember, most people in the UK eat too much salt.
High levels of salt in the diet can raise blood pressure, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. This means that most people would benefit from cutting down on the amount of salt they eat. Many chefs in our award winning premises have found ways to reduce the salt you eat without spoiling the taste of your food . Find out more about the salt in your food at food.gov.uk (external link)
We also consume too much saturated fat!
Current population average intakes of saturated fat exceed public health recommendations and the rising levels of obesity indicate that energy (calorie) intakes currently exceed energy requirements. Over eating and consuming too much saturated fat can raise serious health concerns, particularly in relation to cardiovascular disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes. Find out more at: food.gov.uk (external link)
Our healthy business award is all about choice.
Enabling people to make informed choices about food and to help them choose foods that meet their individual needs. Isn’t it time you tried the healthier choice? Visit one of our Healthy Business Award premises and discover just how good healthy food can taste!
You can find other information about healthy eating at:
