The size of the segments for each of the food groups is consistent with government recommendations for a diet that would provide all the nutrients required for a healthy adult or child (over the age of 5). Watch this handy video guide to take you through the guide:
Starchy foods are a good source of carbohydrate and provide us with energy. Choose from foods such as bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, cassava, yam and maize. Starchy foods should make up around a third of your diet, try to include a source of starch with every meal to provide energy and essential vitamins and minerals. Opt for wholegrain sources such a wholemeal bread, rice and cereals to increase your fibre intake. Wholegrains have been shown to help reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.
Eat at least five fruits and vegetables per day. Fruits and vegetables provide a source of vitamins, minerals, fibre and many phyto-chemicals (chemical compounds that naturally occur in plants). Many of these nutrients are vital for good health and act as powerful anti-oxidants to protect the body from free radical damage caused by pollutants in the environment. You can find out more information about important vitamins and minerals, the recommended daily amounts and which fruits and vegetables on the NHS website. Studies show that fruits and vegetables can protect against some cancers and lower the risk of heart disease. Aim to eat a rainbow of colour and incorporate a wide variety, for example, peppers, carrots, broccoli, squash or pumpkin and try fruits such as apples, banana, pineapple, mango and papaya. Don’t forget, this can include fresh, frozen, canned and dried sources.
Meat, fish, eggs, beans and nuts are a good source of protein. Protein is needed to build, maintain and repair your body’s tissues and to support a healthy immune system. When living with HIV is it important to ensure an there is an adequate amount of protein in the diet to help build and maintain muscle mass. Plan to have two to three portions per day and opt for lean cuts of meat where possible. Remove visible fat from the meat and remove skin from chicken meat. Include two meals per week based on fish. Oily fish are a source of omega 3 fatty acid, good for heart health, sources include; salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines.
Aim to include two to three portions per day. Select low fat milk, yogurt, fromage frais, half fat cheeses such as cheddar and soya products, for example, milk, yogurt, soya mince or tofu. These foods provide a rich supply of protein, vitamins, minerals and calcium.
Look out for monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in, rapeseed*, sunflower oil olive oil, oily fish, avocados, seeds and nuts. *for information, most vegetable oils you buy in the supermarket are made with 100% rapeseed oil.
Drink 6-8 glasses of fluids a day, including water, low-fat milk, and sugar-free drinks including tea and coffee. Limit fruit juice and/or smoothies to a total of 150 ml a day.
It is important to drink plenty of fluids. This can help the body process the medication you may require when living with HIV. Aim for six to eight glasses of fluid per day and remember this can include not only water but other fluids such as tea and fruit juice.
Save foods high in sugar, fat, and salt for occasional treats and opt for items that are lower in fat, salt and sugar when you can. HIV and some HIV medications can increase the risk of developing heart disease so it is important to limit foods high in bad (saturated) fat, for example, processed meats, pies, biscuits and cakes. Foods that are high in fat are a source of energy that can help you regain weight following illness. Try to opt for good (unsaturated) sources of fat such as nuts, seeds and oily fish.
Sugary fizzy drinks, chocolate bars and sweets contain a large amount of sugar. Eating too much of this type of food can lead to unhealthy weight gain. If you have a poor appetite, eating sugary foods can be a good short term solution to increase your energy (calorie) intake.
Fibre is a very important part of a healthy and balanced diet. Fibre can help with digestive health, as well as preventing weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and other diseases. There are two types of fibre; soluble and insoluble fibre. Both types of fibre are important for a healthy diet.
Soluble fibre dissolves in the water of your digestive system, which may help if the body is experiencing constipation or other problems digesting food. Foods containing soluble fibre include fruits, root vegetables, oats, barley, and rye.
Insoluble fibre does not dissolve in water, and will help other foods pass more easily through your digestive system. Foods with insoluble fibre include wholemeal bread, bran, cereals, nuts, and seeds.
It is recommended that we consume 30g of fibre a day!