Sleep
Sleep is essential to the maintenance of physical and psychological health. Look at how you might be able to improve your quality and quantity of sleep.
- The benefits of healthy eating
- Food and wellbeing
- Simple tips for healthy eating
- Staying hydrated
- Healthy eating and mental wellbeing
- If you’re struggling with food and eating
- Useful information
The benefits of healthy eating
What we eat and drink can have a real impact on our physical health, energy levels and overall wellbeing. When life is busy, it can be tempting to rely on convenience foods or skip meals altogether, but small, sustainable changes can make a positive difference.
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated or time-consuming. Rather than aiming for perfection, try focusing on balance and finding approaches that work for you.
Food and wellbeing
A balanced diet helps provide the nutrients our bodies need to function well. It can support:
- energy levels throughout the day
- physical health and immune function
- concentration and focus
- mood and emotional wellbeing
- long-term health.
It’s also important to think about your relationship with food, not just what you eat.
You might find it helpful to consider:
- When you eat and whether you’re regularly fuelling your body.
- Where you eat and whether you can take a break from work or distractions.
- Why you’re eating and whether stress, tiredness or emotions may be influencing your choices.
- How you eat, including eating slowly and mindfully, and noticing when you feel satisfied.
- Who you eat with, as sharing meals can be a great source of social connection.
Simple tips for healthy eating
A balanced meal will often include a combination of:
- wholegrain or high-fibre carbohydrates
- fruit and vegetables
- protein-rich foods
- healthy fats.
Rather than focusing on restrictions, it can help to aim to include a variety of foods and plenty of colour on your plate. Thinking of getting a rainbow of colours on your plate can help ensure you are getting a wide variety of nutrients in your diet, and it also looks pretty!
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are an important source of energy. Choosing higher-fibre options can help you feel fuller for longer.
Examples include:
- oats
- wholegrains such as brown rice and quinoa
- sweet potatoes
- beans and pulses
- fruit.
Protein
Protein supports growth, repair and overall health.
Examples include:
- fish
- eggs
- poultry
- beans and lentils
- tofu
- nuts and seeds.
Healthy fats
Healthy fats play an important role in a balanced diet.
Examples include:
- olive oil
- avocados
- nuts and seeds
- oily fish.
Fruit and vegetables
Aim to include a variety of fruit and vegetables throughout the week. Different colours provide different nutrients, so eating a range can help support overall health.
Government guidance recommends at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.
Staying hydrated
Even mild dehydration can affect energy, concentration and mood.
Most adults need around 6 to 8 glasses (roughly 1.5 to 2 litres) of fluid each day, although this may increase during hot weather or when exercising. Water is an excellent choice, but other non-alcoholic drinks also contribute to fluid intake.
People need between 1.6 to 2 litres of fluid every day in order to prevent dehydration
Healthy eating is one of the factors that contribute to our wellbeing, but what constitutes a healthy diet? On this page you'll find lots of information and guidance to support you with nutrition and eating healthier in general.
Research continues to explore the connection between nutrition and mental wellbeing. While food is only one part of the picture, eating regularly and maintaining a balanced diet may help support both physical and emotional health.
To learn more about this topic, explore our Gut Feeling: Nutrition and Mental Wellbeing workshop on our Wellbeing Learning Platform.
You can also listen to our podcast episode, Pharm to Table: A Conversation with Nutrition Pharmacist Jazz McPhail, which explores the connection between eating and wellbeing.
If you’re struggling with food or eating
Food and eating can become difficult for many reasons, including stress, anxiety, low mood and other life challenges.
If concerns about food, weight or body image are having a significant impact on your life, support is available. Visit our Eating Disorders page to learn more about recognising the signs of an eating disorder and where to find help.
Useful information
For practical healthy eating advice, recipes and nutrition guidance, you may find the following resources helpful:
This page was last reviewed in October 2026 and updated in October 2026
