Eating well
Eating well is important. Food and drinks supply the energy and nutrients that our bodies need to work and stay healthy. Eating right is key for everyone’s current and long-term health. A balanced diet doesn’t just make your body stronger; it can also help prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer. Alongside a diet full of nutrients, remember to drink lots of water every day. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Staying hydrated helps your body get rid of what it doesn’t need.
Now is an important time to establish healthy eating habits that will stick with you into adulthood. When you’re planning a good diet, there are a few basic rules to keep in mind:
- Load up on fruits and vegetables
- Eat foods high in fibre
- Include different types of protein
- Have some dairy
- Opt for healthier fats
It’s also important to cut down on foods and drinks high in fat, sugar, or salt. The food pyramid is a helpful tool to see what you should eat more or less of. Choose a variety of healthy foods every day and learn skills like how to plan, shop, and prepare healthy foods. Try to make mealtime fun and social too.
If you would like further advice, talk to your health professional or a dietician who can help you explore healthy food choices. If eating is challenging, adaptive utensils or equipment can help.
Completing the Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS) and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) in the health summary can help you describe any challenges you have with eating or drinking to your health professional.
Visit the HSE website for more information on Healthy eating guidelines and How to eat well
Visit the Spunout website for more information on healthy eating.