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General health information

Healthy eating

Healthy eating is not a perfect diet but a lasting pattern with a wide variety of plant foods, enough protein, fibre-rich carbohydrates, suitable fats and mainly water to drink. Having highly processed foods, sugary drinks and very salty foods less often helps reduce the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Make gradual choices that are affordable, fit your culture and can be maintained. Illness, pregnancy, being underweight, swallowing problems or medicines may mean you need individual advice.

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  • Healthy eating is about the overall pattern. One meal does not make you healthy or unhealthy, and guilt usually does not help you make lasting changes.
  • Regularly include plant foods in meals: different vegetables, fruit, pulses, whole grains, nuts and seeds provide fibre and a range of nutrients.
  • Add a suitable protein source, choose mainly water and have foods high in added sugar or salt, or highly processed meat, less often.
  • Health, culture, budget, availability and preferences determine what is manageable. A simple local dish can fit just as well as an expensive imported 'health food'.
  • With a medical condition, pregnancy, growth, older age, allergy or eating problem, general advice may be insufficient or even unsuitable. Ask for tailored advice.

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