Importance of healthy eating habits and timing for energy and mood

Ever notice how you feel after indulging in some less healthy meals or snacks? Lethargic, low on energy and low in mood? When we eat well, we can feel so much more energised and happier. Timing of eating is important too and can affect things like how well we sleep. Here are a few tips that may help you to continue eating well. Read more detailed nutrition information and check out our recipes. 

Practical tips for maintaining a balanced diet and meal planning

  1. Try to stay hydrated, drink plenty of water throughout the day and be aware of liquid energy. Adding sugar to teas, drinking hot chocolates or lots of juices and sugary drinks may be best avoided if possible. 
  2. Eat when you need to, not when you’re bored. It’s so easy to grab a snack when you’re bored, when actually that extra energy isn’t needed. Try to listen to your body and eat when you’re hungry. If you’re not sure, have a glass of water and do something, and if that doesn’t do the job, go for a healthy snack. 
  3. Plan your meals to keep some structure in your day-to-day life, you’ll be less likely to overeat this way and more likely to plan and eat healthier meals. 
  4. Take time out to eat rather than eating on the go. If you’ve not eaten for hours, try and have some quiet time where you can either sit with your family/friends and eat, or just eat by yourself without any distractions. You’ll be less likely to eat as much as you’ll recognise when you’re full. Any leftovers can be kept for lunch the next day! 
  5. Make batch meals and make the most of one pot dishes to reduce washing up. View our recipe page for ideas to get you started. 
  6. Substitute foods if you need to, it doesn’t matter if you use kidney beans or borlotti beans in a chilli, or beef, pork, quorn or turkey mince, it all still makes a hearty nutritious meal. 
  7. Try not to go to bed on a full stomach as this could affect your sleep. 

View our wellbeing page for more helpful tips and resources to benefit your mental and physical wellbeing.