Eating well helps keep our bodies healthy, and gives us the nutrients and energy we need to function.
Quite often, the most affordable food options are also high in sugar and fat, and accessing healthier affordable food can feel like a challenge – but there are some things we can do to eat well and save money on food shopping:
- Choose fruit and vegetables that are in season.
- Frozen or tinned vegetables are just as good and often cheaper than fresh varieties.
- Add beans and pulses to meals, a great source of protein and fibre – and cheaper than meat.
- Plan meals and keep to a shopping list, check cupboards to see what needs using first.
- Try and reduce food waste where possible.
- Own brand foods are usually cheaper and can be just as nutritious.
- Cook in batches to save time and money, this gives meals to freeze and eat another time.
Eating well
Eating a wide range of food helps us get different vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Eating well isn’t about focusing on certain foods or nutrients – it’s about choosing a good variety and eating the right amounts. The different food groups are a good start:
- Fruits and vegetables – five portions a day is best.
- Base meals on higher fibre starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice or pasta.
- Have some dairy foods (lower fat milk, cheese and yoghurt) or dairy alternatives, for example, soya drinks.
- Eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, lean meat and other protein.
- Choose unsaturated oils and spreads in small amounts.
- Drink plenty of fluids (6 to 8 glasses a day).
- If you have food and drink that are high in fat, salt and sugar – try smaller amounts and less often.
A more varied and balanced diet can also help improve our health in the long-term and help protect us from illnesses like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
You can find more helpful information on the websites below: