Practical tips for a better diet

• Eat a varied diet with a wide range of foods.
• Eat more wholegrain starchy carbohydrates (eg wholemeal bread, brown rice, wholegrain cereals).
• Eat more fruit and vegetables, aiming for at least five portions a day.
• Cut down on salt by eating less processed food, such as ready meals, and adding less salt to food.
• Eat regular meals - although it doesn't matter when you eat your food, having a routine can help people to manage their diet and their weight.
• Control your portion sizes so that over time, if not necessarily every day, the amount of energy you consume matches your level of activity.
• Try to be more physically active. Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week.
• Drink alcohol within recommended limits; the Department of Health recommends that women should not drink over two to three units of alcohol per day and men should not drink more than three to four units per day.