Healthy living
Healthy living and prevention
Clear, referenced guides to living well — eating well, staying active, sleep, wellbeing and prevention: what to do and why it matters. 40 guides and growing.
Eating well
Mediterranean DietThe Mediterranean diet is a way of eating rich in vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, beans, o… DASH DietThe DASH diet is an eating pattern designed to lower blood pressure, rich in fruit, vegeta… Intermittent FastingIntermittent fasting means cycling between periods of eating and not eating, such as the 5… Low-Carb DietA low-carb diet reduces carbohydrate foods such as bread, rice and sugar in favour of prot… Low-FODMAP DietThe low-FODMAP diet is a short-term, dietitian-led approach to identify which fermentable … Gluten-Free DietA gluten-free diet avoids gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye. It is essential for … Healthy Weight LossHealthy weight loss means losing weight gradually through balanced eating and activity — a… Understanding Portion SizesPortion sizes have grown over time, and eating the right amount for you — even of healthy … Reading Food LabelsFood labels help you compare products and make healthier choices — look at the colour-code… Cutting Down on SugarMost people eat more free sugar than recommended — cutting down protects teeth and helps w… Keto DietThe keto diet is a very low-carb, high-fat way of eating that pushes the body to burn fat … Paleo DietThe paleo diet is based on foods thought to have been eaten by early humans — meat, fish, … Going VeganGoing vegan means eating only plant foods — it can be healthy and sustainable with plannin… Dairy-Free DietA dairy-free diet avoids milk and products made from it — needed for milk allergy or lacto… Eating Well on a BudgetHealthy eating does not have to be expensive — planning, cooking from scratch, and using f… Meal Planning and Batch CookingPlanning meals and cooking in batches saves time and money, cuts waste, and makes it easie… Intuitive EatingIntuitive eating is an approach that encourages tuning in to hunger and fullness cues and …
Mental wellbeing
Sleep and Your HealthGood sleep is essential for physical and mental health — most adults need around 7 to 9 ho… Improving Your SleepSimple habits — a regular routine, a restful bedroom and winding down before bed — can imp… Managing StressSome stress is normal, but ongoing stress affects health — managing it involves recognisin… Looking After Your Mental WellbeingMental wellbeing can be supported by simple, evidence-based steps: connecting with others,… MindfulnessMindfulness means paying attention to the present moment, which can help reduce stress and…
Physical activity
How Much Exercise Do I Need?Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, plus muscle-streng… Benefits of Physical ActivityBeing active is one of the best things you can do for your health, cutting the risk of man… Getting Started with ExerciseIf you are new to exercise, start small, build up gradually, and pick activities you enjoy… Strength and Balance ExerciseStrengthening and balance activities keep muscles and bones strong and help prevent falls … Reducing Sitting TimeSitting for long periods is linked to poorer health, even in active people — break up sitt… Sports NutritionEating well around exercise means enough carbohydrate for energy, adequate protein for rec… Hydration for ExerciseStaying hydrated supports performance and safety during exercise — drink before, during an… Eating for Muscle and StrengthBuilding muscle needs strength training plus enough overall energy and protein spread thro…
Prevention & life stages
Stopping SmokingStopping smoking is the single best thing you can do for your health — support and stop-sm… Cutting Down on AlcoholTo keep health risks low, the UK guideline is to drink no more than 14 units a week, sprea… Healthy Weight and BMIA healthy weight lowers the risk of many diseases. BMI and waist size are useful guides, t… Looking After Your HeartYou can greatly cut your risk of heart disease and stroke by not smoking, eating well, sta… Preventing Type 2 DiabetesType 2 diabetes can often be delayed or prevented by reaching a healthy weight, eating wel… Sun SafetyProtecting your skin from strong sun — with shade, clothing and sunscreen — helps prevent … Nutrition in PregnancyA healthy, varied diet supports you and your baby in pregnancy — take folic acid and vitam… Weaning Your BabyWeaning — introducing solid foods alongside milk — usually starts at around 6 months, buil… Healthy Eating for ChildrenChildren thrive on a varied, balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, limited su… Healthy AgeingStaying active, eating well, keeping socially connected and looking after your mind all he…
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See also
Nutrition · Conditions A–Z · First aid · Vaccines · Health calculators
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