Healthy Eating

As a carer, eating a balanced diet is essential to provide your body with all the nutrients it needs. A balanced diet will keep your body strong and give you enough energy to provide the best care for the person you are caring for and yourself.

Eating well does not have to be difficult. Whether you are underweight or overweight, by understanding how to achieve a balanced diet and how to fit it into your lifestyle, you can manage your weight and stay in good health.

Based on the eat well plate you should try to eat:

  • Plenty of starchy food:
    Bread, breakfast cereals, potatoes and pasta are a good source of energy. Always choose wholegrain varieties where you can.
  • Plenty of fruit and vegetables:
    Aim for five portions a day to provide you with a good source of vitamins and minerals. 1 portion is equivalent to: 1 apple, 1 medium banana, 7 strawberries, 1 handful of grapes, 150ml glass of unsweetened orange juice, dessert bowl of salad, 3 heaped tablespoons of mixed vegetables.
  • Some protein:
    Meat, fish, eggs, beans are a good source of protein.
  • Some milk and dairy foods:
    Cheese, yogurt or choose low-fat options if trying to reduce fat in your diet.
  • Limit the amount of foods high in fat or sugar:
    Such as crisps, chocolate, sweets.

Manage your mental wellbeing with food:

Tips for eating well on a budget

If you are on a budget, there are simple and affordable ways to shop for a healthy, balanced diet:

  • Use supermarket own brands as a cheaper alternative to branded products.
  • Look out for offers on foods that keep, such as tins of pulses or tomatoes.
  • Dried, frozen or canned fruit (in juice) and vegetables are cheaper than fresh varieties – and just as healthy.
  • When you buy fresh fruit and vegetables, it can be cheaper to buy them loose rather than pre-packaged. In addition, it is usually cheaper to buy fruit and vegetables when they are in season.
  • Supermarkets often reduce prices on products that are close to their sell by date and this can be a great way to pick up a bargain. But be sure you can cook or eat everything you buy (or are able to freeze it) before it goes off.
  • When making meals, prepare large quantities and freeze the extra portions. This can be a cost and time effective way of maintaining a balanced diet.