Why should I enjoy my food?

Food is an important part of everyone’s life. When we eat with other people, we have a chance to talk and have fun together. If there is a food you have never tried before, then it can be an adventure to try something new - you might even like it!

Why do I need to eat a variety of food?

Food contains lots of different chemicals called nutrients. Nutrients are the building blocks for a strong and healthy body. If you eat many different foods, you are more likely to get everything your body needs. If you only eat a few things, then you might be missing the important nutrients that are essential for growth and good health.

Why do I need to eat the right amount to be a healthy weight?

If you eat too much food, you are likely to become overweight and find being active difficult. Also, if you don’t eat enough food then you are likely to be tired and have little energy to play and exercise. It is helpful to think of your body as being like a car. It needs the right amount and right type of fuel to go fast and not breakdown on a long journey. If you are worried that you are eating too little or too much, talk to your parents, a teacher or the school nurse and they will be able to discuss any concerns you may have.

Why do I need to eat breakfast every day?

It is important that we eat breakfast because our bodies are low on fuel, as we don’t eat while we sleep. A healthy breakfast gives us the energy our bodies and brain need to help us do well at school and work.

Why do I need to drink plenty of water every day?

Nearly 60% of our body is water. Water is essential for all the cells in our body to work properly. Water is better for our teeth than sweet drinks and juice. We need to drink enough water so our urine is a very light yellow or clear colour (usually 6-8 glasses, more when the weather is warm or when we are active).

Why do I need to eat starchy foods like bread, rice and pasta at every meal?

Starchy foods contain carbohydrate. Our brain works best when it can use carbohydrate to fuel the thinking. Our bodies can’t store much starchy food, so we need to have these foods with each meal. If we have wholemeal and whole grain starchy foods, we are getting more fibre. Fibre helps to keep our digestive system working smoothly.

Why do I need to eat at least 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day?

Vegetables and fruit contain many special nutrients, which help build a strong and healthy body. They also contain fibre. We can choose from fresh, frozen, canned, dried or juiced.

Why do you say don’t eat foods which contain a lot of fat?

Fat is a very concentrated source of energy, eating high fat foods might mean we end up eating more energy than we really need.  However, we still need SOME fat to help our bodies grow strong and healthy. The fats that help our body work properly come from lots of different types of foods but good sources include olive oil, rapeseed oil and oily fish.

What are saturates/saturated fats?

They are a hard fat, found in butter, cheese and the white part around meat. Saturates are also found in many 'treat' foods such as biscuits, chocolate and pastry. Foods that contain saturated fats should only make up a small part of our diet, as saturates increase our 'bad' cholesterol levels, which is bad for the heart.

Why worry about sugar?

Sugar is bad for our teeth and contributes to tooth decay. High sugar foods tend to contain 'empty calories' without many nutrients.  Sugary drinks can also trick us into taking in extra energy that we don’t really need.

Why do you say don't eat foods that contain a lot of salt?

Most people eat too much salt - this is unhealthy because salt increases blood pressure, which is not good for the heart. Everyone should eat less salty foods, children and grown-ups as well. Although a lot of salt comes from foods that are already prepared, you can help to keep your salt intake down by avoiding adding extra salt while cooking, and avoiding adding salt at the table.

Which food groups in the 'Eatwell plate’ contain which nutrients?

Understanding the traffic-light symbols on foods

If you want to make a healthier choice, choose foods which have more green spots for food. Less healthy choices will have some amber and red spots. You can still eat these, but foods with lots of red spots are 'treat' or 'eat occasionally' foods.

Acknowledgements

© Health Enterprise East