Packing A Lunchbox

Your weight
Expert advice to help you maintain a healthy weight

Dissatisfied with your weight?
We're bombarded with scare stories about weight, from size zero to the obesity 'epidemic'. But a healthy weight is determined by different factors for each of us. Our expert advice is designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, life-enhancing weight.

Overweight or underweight?
Being the right weight has a positive effect on wellbeing but also on our health, as being the wrong weight can cause a range of medical problems.

Lunchbox tips
Planning ahead and packing a tasty and nutritious lunchbox can avoid reliance on the energy-dense, nutrient-poor options that often make up a quick meal on the move.

A nutritious lunch will help children and adults maintain energy levels and concentration through the afternoon.

Make your own lunch
If lunch is dictated by what's available - whether a sandwich bar, petrol station, corner shop or fast-food outlet - then choosing to make your own meal provides a nutritious and healthy alternative, and saves money.

Lunchboxes don't need to contain just a soggy sandwich and a packet of crisps. Ensuring the meal contains fruit and/or vegetables, a good helping of starchy carbohydrates and some dairy products will result in a nutritionally balanced lunch.

Healthy options
Avoid boredom setting in with some alternatives to sandwiches.

Try soup - a flask of warm vegetable soup can provide a portion of your five-a-day and boost fibre intake. Homemade versions can be tailored to personal taste, but shop-bought ones are fine, too (check the label to avoid those with a high salt content).
Rice, noodles, lentils, couscous, bulghur wheat and pasta can form the basis of salads, accompanied by chopped vegetables, fruit, seeds and nuts to boost vitamin and mineral intake. You can also add protein such as chicken, tuna, prawns and soya.
Leftovers from your meal the night before, such as homemade pizza, omelette or quiche, can all be eaten cold the next day, accompanied by a green salad.
Use different varieties of bread throughout the week, such as wholemeal, granary, oat-topped, seed-based, ciabatta, rye, bagels, wraps, pitta, baguettes and rolls. Choose wholemeal varieties for maximum nutrients (such as fibre, B vitamins, vitamin E and magnesium).

Accompaniments
Fill out your lunchbox with the following:

Fruit – include fruit such as apples, grapes, plums and berries. Chopped fruit, fruit salad or dried fruit such as apricots, raisins and dates can be easily handled and eaten by children. A fruit smoothie is also a healthy option.
Vegetables - chopped vegetables such as carrot, celery and cucumber can be included with dips such as hummus to provide a nutritious snack. Cherry tomatoes, sliced peppers, baby corn and sugar snap peas are great for adding colour and are easy for young children to eat.
Desserts - fruit can be added to low-sugar jelly, or mixed in with natural yoghurt for a tasty dessert. Yoghurt drinks or small pots of custard or rice pudding can top up calcium intake and provide an alternative to more sugary or fatty options. If you like cakes and biscuits, try varieties such as hot-cross buns, scones and malt loaf. Include your favourite cake once in a while, but keep the portion small.
Variety is key to keeping lunchboxes appetising and appealing. Sandwich fillings can be packed with salad to add colour and nutrients, and accompanied by low-fat nutritious options such as lean meat, fish, egg and low-fat cheese.
Adding a treat every now and then is fine - try fun-size chocolate bars, snack-sized packets of biscuits and sweets to keep portions small and the calorie, fat and sugar content low.
Drinks - use tap water, or mix it with low-sugar squash or some fruit juice to add flavour. Unsweetened fruit juice and smoothies count towards one of your five a day, but avoid too many sugary drinks which can add lots of extra calories. Milk-based drinks, without added sugar, are a healthier option for teeth than sugary alternatives.

Fruit and vegetables

Your weight
Expert advice to help you maintain a healthy weight

Dissatisfied with your weight?
We're bombarded with scare stories about weight, from size zero to the obesity 'epidemic'. But a healthy weight is determined by different factors for each of us. Our expert advice is designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, life-enhancing weight.

Overweight or underweight?
Being the right weight has a positive effect on wellbeing but also on our health, as being the wrong weight can cause a range of medical problems.

Fruit and vegetables are low in energy and packed with vitamins, minerals, protective plant compounds and fibre, so they're a great source of nutrients and vital for a healthy diet.

Five a day
Due to their nutritional and health benefits, it's recommended that fruit and vegetables form the basis of your diet, with a minimum intake of five portions each day - about a third of your daily food consumption. Currently the UK averages two to three portions a day, so we're falling well short of the benefits they can provide.

Fruit and vegetables should be incorporated into every meal, as well as being the first choice for a snack. Population studies have shown that people who eat a lot of fruit and vegetables may have a lower risk of chronic disease, such as heart disease and some cancers. Health benefits can be gained from fresh, tinned (in natural juice), frozen, cooked, juiced or dried versions. Potatoes don't count though, as they're a starchy food.

How much is a portion?
One piece of medium-sized fruit, such as an apple, peach, banana or orange
One slice of fruit, such as melon, mango or pineapple
One handful of grapes or two handfuls of cherries or berry fruits
One tablespoon of dried fruit
A glass (roughly 100ml) of fruit or vegetable juice
A small tin (roughly 200g) of fruit
3 tablespoons of fruit salad or stewed fruit
A side salad
A serving (roughly 80g) of vegetables, such as frozen or mushy peas, boiled carrots or stir-fried broccoli
Cooked dishes that contain significant amounts of vegetables may also count

So how do you ensure an intake of five portions a day? Here's a typical plan:

Glass of fresh orange juice or smoothie for breakfast = one portion
Small pack of dried apricots for mid-morning snack, instead of a chocolate bar or bag of crisps = 1 portion
Small pack of dried apricots for mid-morning snack = one portion
Side salad with lunch = one portion
Sugar snap peas and broccoli, served with main meal = one portion
Strawberries as dessert = one portion

Do remember that some fruits contain many of their nutrients just under the skin, so eating them with the skin on can provide greater nutritional benefits and the maximum amount of fibre compared with just drinking the juice of the same fruit.

Preconception and pregnancy

Your weight
Expert advice to help you maintain a healthy weight

Dissatisfied with your weight?
We're bombarded with scare stories about weight, from size zero to the obesity 'epidemic'. But a healthy weight is determined by different factors for each of us. Our expert advice is designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, life-enhancing weight.

Overweight or underweight?
Being the right weight has a positive effect on wellbeing but also on our health, as being the wrong weight can cause a range of medical problems.

When planning for a baby, a healthy diet will provide you and your partner with the nutrients needed to prepare your body for conception. When you become pregnant, what you eat is also vital for the development and well-being of your unborn baby and may affect its future health.

Body weight and fertility
Being a healthy body weight is important before pregnancy. If you're very underweight, it can be more difficult to conceive. Being obese may also cause problems with conceiving especially if you suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome. Women who are obese while pregnant also increase the risk of complications during pregnancy, delivery and in the few days after birth.

The ideal weight range is usually calculated using the body mass index (BMI). A BMI between 18.5 to 25 is a healthy weight for most people and associated with relatively low risks. For people with a BMI over 30, even a small weight loss can greatly increase your ability to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy. Take steps either to lose or gain weight in a sensible way before you become pregnant. Crash dieting is not good for your health, and limiting your range of foods may deplete your nutrient stores. If you're concerned about your weight, you may find it useful to speak to your doctor or practice nurse for further advice.

and your partner¦
Eating a healthy diet and being the right body weight is important for men who are hoping to become dads, too. There have been many studies looking at specific nutrients such as zinc and selenium and male sperm quality. However, the key messages for men are:

Aim to be the right weight for your height by eating sensibly and exercising on a regular basis
Follow the principles of healthy eating. Eating a variety of foods will help ensure you have all the nutrients you need such as zinc and selenium
Stick firmly within the alcohol limits. Do not exceed three to four units per day on a regular basis, preferably with some alcohol-free days each week

A balanced diet
With a few exceptions, you can continue to eat a normal, healthy diet before and during pregnancy. This includes regular meals and snacks, and a sensible healthy eating regime containing:

plenty of starchy carbohydrates - bread, rice, pasta, breakfast cereals, chapattis, couscous and potatoes
plenty of fruit and vegetables - at least five portions a day
low or reduced fat dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, fromage frais and pasteurised cheeses
lean sources of protein, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs (well-cooked), beans and pulses
not too many fat-rich and sugary foods
at least eight medium glasses of fluid each day
very little or no alcohol

Generally, pregnancy can progress well with the need for only very small increases in protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals. The digestive system in pregnant women changes and becomes more efficient at absorbing certain nutrients. In fact, with only a few exceptions, most of the additional nutrient needs of pregnancy can be met by eating a well-balanced and varied diet. So the old adage 'eating for two' doesn't mean you should eat twice as much food.

Weight gain
Optimum weight gain in pregnancy depends on your pre-pregnant weight. The baby and amniotic fluid are only a small part of the weight gain, the rest is an increase in the mother's fat stores to provide an energy reserve for later breastfeeding. There are no specific recommendations for pregnancy weight gain in the UK. However in the USA, thinner women are encouraged to gain a little more weight, anywhere between 12.8kg and 18kg (28lb to 40lb), while women of an average weight should aim for between 11.5kg and 16kg (25lb to 35lb). Overweight and obese women should aim to gain less weight and this should be discussed with your midwife or health care provider.

Pre-school children

Your weight
Expert advice to help you maintain a healthy weight

Dissatisfied with your weight?
We're bombarded with scare stories about weight, from size zero to the obesity 'epidemic'. But a healthy weight is determined by different factors for each of us. Our expert advice is designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, life-enhancing weight.

Overweight or underweight?
Being the right weight has a positive effect on wellbeing but also on our health, as being the wrong weight can cause a range of medical problems.


Nutrition for children
Food and nutrients help to form strong teeth and bones, muscles and a healthy body. A good diet can also help to protect your child against illness now and in the future.

This is a critical time to complete the weaning process, reducing the amount of milk and establishing the foundations of your child’s diet. A young child's diet needs special care and planning - the need for energy and nutrients is high, but appetites are small and eating habits can be fussy. Their diet must be made up of small, regular, nutrient-dense meals.

Key nutrients and dietary sources
Suitable foods
Base your child's intake on the following food groups to help ensure they’re getting all the important nutrients. Remember pre-school children should be allowed to eat according to appetite, as there are no definitive recommendations on portion sizes for this age group. At this age, children are often good at regulating their appetite.

There's no need to rely on pre-prepared toddler foods. If the family diet is healthy, children can just have family food.

1. At least one kind of starchy carbohydrate, such as bread, rice, pasta, noodles, cereals or potatoes, should be served with all meals.

Young children have small appetites, so fibre-rich carbohydrates can be bulky and inhibit the absorption of some minerals. Gradually introduce higher fibre carbohydrate foods, such as wholewheat pasta and brown rice, so that by the time children are five, they're eating the same fibre-rich foods as the rest of the family.

2. Fruit and vegetables should be eaten often. Aim for at least five servings a day, where a serving is about a handful in size.

Use fruit in puddings and as snacks
Frozen and canned fruit and vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh varieties
Vegetables can be eaten raw or cooked (serve crunchy rather than very soft to preserve the vitamins and minerals)
If vegetables aren't a favourite, try hiding them by pureeing in to soups, sauces, casseroles and pizza toppings

3. Milk and dairy foods are an important source of calcium. Your child should be having about one pint (500 to 600ml) of milk a day.

Use full-fat varieties; semi-skimmed may be given from the age of two if the overall diet contains enough energy and nutrients
Milk can be used on cereals or in drinks, puddings and sauces
Cheese, fromage frais or yoghurt can be given instead of some milk
Grated cheese, cheese spread or cheese portions can be used on sandwiches or toast
Try yoghurts as a pudding or snack between meals, served alone or with fruit

4. Meat, fish and alternatives should be eaten once or twice a day.

Minced beef, turkey, chicken and pork should be cooked slowly to ensure it's soft and tender
The Food Standards Agency recommends at least two servings of fish a week, one of which should be oily. But don't give your child more than four servings of oily fish a week for boys and two servings a week for girls. Shark, swordfish or marlin should also be avoided, as these contain high levels of mercury, which might affect a child's developing nervous system
Use eggs, either boiled, in sandwiches, as omelettes or scrambled
Try different beans and pulses, such as lentils, baked beans, peas and chickpeas

Adult's Diet

Your weight

Expert advice to help you maintain a healthy weight

Dissatisfied with your weight?

We're bombarded with scare stories about weight, from size zero to the obesity 'epidemic'. But a healthy weight is determined by different factors for each of us. Our expert advice is designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, life-enhancing weight.

Overweight or underweight?

Being the right weight has a positive effect on wellbeing but also on our health, as being the wrong weight can cause a range of medical problems.

Eating well and drinking sensibly are good investments for your immediate health.

Why good nutrition matters
By eating a nutritious diet and being physically active, you can maintain a healthy body weight and reduce your risk of developing diet-related illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancer.

Some of the most important risk factors for premature death in adults are:

Smoking
Obesity
Physical inactivity
Raised blood cholesterol
Raised blood pressure
Excessive alcohol intake

With the exception of smoking, applying the principles of healthy eating and being more physically active can make a significant impact on all of these risk factors.

What is a healthy diet?
To understand how you can eat healthily, it's important to know which types of food to consume and why. Your body requires a well-balanced diet, with a good supply of carbohydrates, especially high-fibre foods, plenty of fruit and vegetables, some protein, low-fat dairy products and plenty of fluid. The best way to get the right balance is to follow the principles of healthy eating shown on the Food Standards Agency's 'eatwell plate'

Why don't we eat healthily?
A consumer survey carried out by the Food Standards Agency revealed that knowledge of what constitutes a healthy diet is actually quite high. Most of the adults surveyed knew which kinds of food they should be eating more of, such as fruit and vegetables, or less of, such as fat and salt.

But data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey, published in 2003, shows that UK adults eat too much saturated fat, sugar and salt, not enough dietary fibre and, on average, their fruit and vegetable intake is fewer than three portions a day.

The rising number of people becoming overweight also tells us that, for a variety of reasons, this knowledge about diet is not being translated into positive action to achieve a healthier diet.

Some media coverage of healthy eating habits can make it seem as though a healthy diet will be incredibly difficult to achieve - either very expensive or not very tasty. But it's possible, with a few simple changes, to make your diet significantly healthier and reduce your risk of illness without it being an onerous task (see the Balance of good health article for details). There are lots of different things you can do, so approach the changes one at a time.

Everyone should be eating a variety of food to achieve a healthy diet, but some nutrition issues are more specific to men or women.

Nutrition issues for men
While both sexes need to maintain a healthy body weight, men in particular should be wary of excess weight. In men, extra pounds tend to be stored around the tummy. Sometimes referred to as abdominal fat, this increases the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes to a greater extent than fat stored on the hips and thighs, which is more typical for women.

This risk of abdominal obesity is even greater for men of Afro-Caribbean and Asian origin.

Infants Birth to Six Months

Your weight
Expert advice to help you maintain a healthy weight

Dissatisfied with your weight?
We're bombarded with scare stories about weight, from size zero to the obesity 'epidemic'. But a healthy weight is determined by different factors for each of us. Our expert advice is designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, life-enhancing weight.

Overweight or underweight?
Being the right weight has a positive effect on wellbeing but also on our health, as being the wrong weight can cause a range of medical problems.


Making the right choices when it comes to feeding new babies will help them get a good start in life.

Breastfeeding
The Department of Health recommends that, wherever possible, infants are breastfed exclusively until six months of age.

Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for newborn babies, as it provides easily digestible nutrients in the right quantities. It's also packed with antibodies and helps to establish the baby's immune system.

Babies breastfed exclusively are reported to be at less risk of stomach upsets and ear, respiratory and urinary tract infections than those who are bottle-fed formula milk. They're also less likely to become obese or experience constipation and vomiting. If there's a family history of allergies or diabetes, breastfed babies are less likely to develop these.

Breastmilk contains substances that help the development of a baby's brain, retinas, gut lining and protective sheath for the central nervous system. Breastmilk also contains hormonal factors that help the baby's growth and development. It carries digestive enzymes, too, which help to digest the nutrients in milk, helping the baby's immature digestive tract.

When not to breastfeed
Breastfeeding isn't recommended for all women. For example, those who are HIV-positive risk transmitting the disease to their baby through their milk. If you're taking any medication, you should also check with your doctor or midwife before breastfeeding.

Types of breastmilk
During the first few days after birth, the mother's breasts produce a substance called colostrum. This yellowish fluid is packed with antibodies and is rich in protein, making it ideal for newborn babies.

The colostrum soon changes and becomes thin and white (transitional milk). Then, after three or four days, the mature breastmilk starts to come through.

At each feed the breasts produce two types of milk: foremilk, produced at the beginning of a feed; and hindmilk, which has more fat, energy and essential nutrients. As babies grow, it's important they receive the hindmilk in order to meet their nutritional needs.