Nutrition advice can feel confusing, with new headlines every week. But a few simple habits come up again and again in mainstream advice. Here they are, without the hype.
Plenty of vegetables and fruit
Filling half your plate with vegetables and fruit is a common, well-supported suggestion. Fresh, frozen and tinned all count.
Whole grains and fibre
Whole grains, beans and lentils add fibre, which helps digestion and keeps you feeling full.
Go easy on added sugar
Sweet fizzy drinks and sweets are fine as treats, but most advice suggests keeping added sugar modest.
Processed meats less often
Many guidelines suggest eating processed meats like bacon and sausages only occasionally.
Water for thirst
Water is a simple, inexpensive drink for most people.
No single superfood
No one food will transform your health. Overall patterns matter more than any one ingredient.
Enjoy your food
Eating slowly and sharing meals with others can make food more satisfying.
If you already follow a special eating plan, keep to it and let these ideas fit around it.
How little is enough
Add one extra vegetable to a meal today.
For more, read 5 things you should know before you adopt a healthy diet.
If you’d like a gentle companion in the kitchen, there’s a short food guide on the Guides page.