Daily Diet, The Basics

Healthy eating is foundational to overall well-being. Here are some key principles you should be incorporating into your daily diet:

Whole foods are a variety of whole, unprocessed foods, these includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and  seeds lean proteins (like fish, poultry, beans and pulses), and healthy fats (like olive oil, avocados). The reason for prioritising whole foods is to minimise the intake of processed foods, these is sugary drinks, fast food, some forms of pre-prepared meals that may  contain  highly processed carbohydrates and excessive amounts of saturated and unhealthy fats. Variety is key, you should be including a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and protein sources in your diet to ensure you’re getting a range of essential nutrients.

Learn more about improving your diet.

Whilst thinking about the food you eat and the goodness your body needs from it, it’s important to also think about hydration. The NHS recommends that we should drink six to eight glasses of water a day. This can include water from food, as well as sugar free drinks like tea and coffee. Both Energy and diet drinks are usually highly processed and paradoxically may increase the risk of other metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

Please note, the amount of fluids you need cam vary depending on your circumstances. For example, you’ll need to drink more water if you’re: exercising, working hard, or in hot weather.

So, now you know the types of food we should be eating and the amount of water you should be drinking, it’ time to think about when you should be eating.

It is recommended that you aim for regular mealtimes and not skip meals to help regulate blood sugar levels, because when your blood sugar spikes you’re more likely to hungry and overeat. Studies suggest that people who eat breakfast generally consume fewer calories over the day than those that skip breakfast. It’s also important that whilst you’re eating you pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, ensure you’re not overfilling your plate, portion sizes are important. Remember to eat slowly and savour each bite.

By incorporating these principles into your daily routine, you can nourish your body and support optimal health. This, combined with a healthy lifestyle, will help to give you more energy and reduce the risk of long term conditions such as type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.