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Nutrition

It is important for sport, physical activity and your general health to ensure that you get a good balance of nutrients.

See Also:
Weight Management
Get Involved

An Overview of Nutrition

The amount and type of food you eat has a major influence on your health. If you eat a well-balanced diet, it can reduce your risk of various diseases as well as help you to maintain a healthy weight. Key nutrients in your diet should include the following:

  • Carbohydrates provide you with energy.
  • Proteins are another source of energy and essential for the growth and repair of all tissues in your body.
  • Fats are a very concentrated source of energy and also have a number of other roles, including helping to transport essential vitamins around your body.
  • Vitamins and minerals are important to keep your body healthy and functioning.

Using the interactive tools available via Related Links, you can find more information around healthy and balanced diets, tips on how to get your 5 a day and some great recipes to try at home.

Involvement

Aim to eat three balanced meals a day with healthy snacks in between if you need them. Breakfast is important so don't skip it, especially if you're trying to lose weight.

Eat more:

  • fruit and vegetables
  • foods high in fibre, such as wholemeal and wholegrain bread, beans, pulses and potatoes with the skins on
  • low-fat dairy products, such as semi-skimmed milk, low-fat cheese and yoghurt
  • starchy foods, such as wholemeal rice, pasta and bread

Eat less:

  • processed meat products, such as sausages, salami, meat pies and burgers – replace these with lean meat (with the skin and fat removed)
  • foods high in salt, such as crisps and processed foods like ready meals and sauces
  • sugary foods and drinks, such as fizzy drinks, sweets and biscuits
  • high-fat foods, such as cream, butter and cakes

Facts

In order to get all of the nutrients your body needs, you need to eat a range of the five main food groups.

  • starchy foods, which include bread, pasta, rice and potatoes
  • fruit and vegetables
  • milk and other dairy foods
  • meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein
  • foods high in fat or sugar

National Governing Bodies

NHS England

Contact Name
NHS England
Contact Email
england.contactus@nhs.net
Contact Telephone
0300 311 22 33

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