Healthy eating
Eating Well
It is important to eat well and regularly and to drink plenty of fluids to stay healthy. Eating well helps you stay active and get more out of life. A healthy diet can also improve your physical and mental health. If you are struggling to eat healthily, manage your weight, or make meals for yourself at home, there is support available.
A healthy, balanced diet contains a variety of foods, including -
- plenty of fruit and vegetables
- plenty of starchy foods such as wholegrain bread, pasta and rice
- some protein-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs and lentils
- some dairy foods
- not too much fat (especially saturated fat), salt and sugar
- plenty of water or other fluids (at least 4 pints a day)
There are a number of support organisations that can give you nutritional advice to help you make positive choices about your diet.
Healthy Lifestyles Hull
There are practical Healthy Cooking on a Budget Courses and HENRY (Health, Exercise and Nutrition for the Really Young) parenting courses across Hull with Healthy Lifestyles.
Change 4 life
Change 4 Life can give you ideas to help the whole family make healthy lifestyle changes.
They also have various apps available including Smart Recipe and Be Food Smart, along with a whole host of other great ideas for staying healthy.
NHS Eat Well
NHS Eat Well has ideas to help you eat healthy and maintain balanced diet.
Eating and conditions, illnesses and ageing
As you age, your digestive and immune systems may become less efficient. It is important to eat well and nutritiously to get the most out of your food. If you have health conditions such as diabetes, arthritis or high blood pressure, your doctor or dietician can help you understand if you need to make changes to what you are eating.
Loss of appetite can be a symptom of some illnesses and mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. If you experience long-term appetite loss, speak to your doctor about it.
Poor appetite
Exercise can help you avoid developing health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and mental health difficulties such as depression. It can also increase your appetite. Small meals or snacks, rather than large meals, could be more helpful if you aren't feeling hungry and your appetite is poor. Exercise will also help improve your appetite.
Weight problems
Adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25 are classed as being overweight. You can get your BMI measured by attending a free NHS Health Check which you can discuss with your GP. You can also use our community directory to find weight management programmes.
More information on the Community Directory
Men v Fat
If you need weight loss motivation to win your battle against fat then Man V Fat can help you. They support you for every single pound you need to lose until you win your battle against fat.
Weight Loss for the very overweight
If you are an adult and have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 40+ (or 35+ with co-morbidities), there is a specialist weight management service in Hull called Weightwise. This is available via GP referral only.