Torfaen Older Peoples Forum

Tips for Healthy Living

Dietician Anna Reid from the QMC gives her top tips for a healthy diet:

• Eat Regularly, don't skip breakfast!
• It is important that you eat regularly for your metabolism
• Eat five portions of fruit and vegetables daily - try having them as drinks and juices
• Starchy foods such as bread, cereals,rice, pasta and potatoes, should make up about a third of your daily intake.
• Cut down on saturated fats which are bad for your heart. Remember that full fat milk, cheese, sausages, bacon and pastry are to be avoided.
• Cut down on high calorie snacks such as crisps, cakes and sweets - eat fruit instead!
• Drink at least eight glasses of water or drinks each day.
• Alcohol is bad because it is pure calories. Stick to sensible limits and alternate with low calorie drinks and mixers.
• Don't rely too much on 'Takeaways' or convenience foods.

Watch the labelling on foods, particularly on ready-made meals. Try to choose a low fat food which contains less than 5 grams of fat per 100 grams.