Stroke Information

• Home
• About Us
• Chest Information
• Heart Information
• Stroke Information
  • Types Of Stroke
  • Transient Ischaemic Attacks
  • Your Stroke Journey
  • How Stroke Affects You
  • Living With A Stroke
  • Reduce Your Risk Of Stroke
    • Blood Thinning Medication
    • Control High Blood Pressure
    • Control Cholesterol
    • Control Diabetes
    • Preventative Surgery
    • Control Weight
    • Eat Healthily
    • Keep Active
    • Moderate Alcohol
    • Stop Smoking
  • Where To Get Help
  • Information For Carers
  • Stroke Links & Contacts
  • Suggested Book List
  • FAQs
• Publications And DVDs
• Community Support
• Fundraising
• Education And Training
• Have Your Say
• Research And Funding
• Volunteering
• Health Professionals

You are in: Home > Stroke Information > Reduce Your Risk Of A Stroke > Eat Healthily

Eat Healthily

Eat A Healthy, Varied Diet

We are always hearing publicity about what is good and bad for us but there is wide agreement among experts as to what a healthy diet is.

Eating a more healthy diet really only means making small changes in meals you already eat—eating a little more of some things and less of another.

Here are some general guidelines to healthier eating

• choose a variety of foods including pasta, rice, potatoes, vegetables and bread as well as meat, eggs, fish, poultry and dairy products
• eat at least 2 portions of fish a week—1 of which should be oily fish e.g. mackerel, herring, sardines, trout, salmon or pilchards
• aim for 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day. (For example an apple, a banana, a glass of fruit juice and 3 portions of vegetables or salad over a day.)
  
  A variety of vegetables, fruit, salad and fruit juice will help to replace energy lost from a reduced fat intake, increase the fibre essential to the digestive system, and provide plenty of vitamins and minerals giving protection against illness.
• reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet. (Specific advice about reducing fat in your diet is covered in Control Cholesterol.)
• reduce the amount of salt in your diet by gradually adjusting your taste over a period of time.
  • do not add salt at the table or during cooking, add herbs and spices for flavour
  • be aware that processed foods such as bread, meat products, vegetables, soups and sauces may contain a lot of salt so read labels and look for low salt varieties
  • do not be tempted to use salt alternatives. Daily intake should be <6g per day

• Healthy Eating F24 [78.3K PDF]

Back to top