Government Dietary Guidelines: Making Healthy Choices

Government Dietary Guidelines: Making Healthy Choices

Introduction to Healthy Choices

  • The aims of the government dietary guidelines are to encourage individuals to make healthier food and drink choices and to achieve an overall healthier lifestyle.
  • These guidelines also serve as a basis for public health policies, strategies and food-based dietary guidelines.

The Eatwell Guide

  • The Eatwell guide is the main tool used by the UK government to provide advice on a balanced diet.
  • It advises people to aim for at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day.
  • The guide also suggests basing meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, choosing wholegrain versions where possible.
  • It advises people to include some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks and yoghurts) in their diet, choosing lower fat and lower sugar options.
  • It recommends eating some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins, including 2 portions of fish every week, one of which should be oily.
  • It encourages people to consume foods and drinks high in fat, salt and sugar infrequently and in small amounts.
  • It recommends drinking 6 to 8 glasses of fluid every day – this includes water, lower-fat milks, and lower-sugar or sugar-free drinks.

Implementing the Guide for Children Aged 1-5

  • Children aged 1-3 should consume about 350mL and 400mL of milk daily respectively.
  • Provide three meals and 2-3 healthy snacks spread throughout the day.
  • Offer 5 or more portions of starchy foods such as bread and pasta each day.
  • Include at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables per day, which can include fresh, frozen, tinned or dried.
  • Foods high in fat, salt and sugars should be limited and only served in small amounts.

Impact of Adhering to the Guidelines

  • Making healthy choices and following the dietary guidelines can contribute to children’s overall development, including improving cognitive abilities and reducing the risk of obesity and related health problems.
  • It can also set up good dietary habits for the future, thereby promoting long-term health.

Barriers to Making Healthy Choices

  • Despite these guidelines, some families may struggle to implement them due to a number of factors such as cost, access to healthy foods, cultural differences, and time restraints.
  • Understanding these barriers can help in devising strategies to encourage families to make healthier dietary choices.