If your weight is steady and your appetite is good
Eatwell guide
Use the eatwell guide to help you get a balance of healthier and more sustainable food. It shows how much of what you eat overall should come from each food group. The image to the right is a visual representation of the following information.
- Per day adult females should consume 2000 Kcal. Adult males should consume 2500 Kcal. That includes all food and all drinks.
- Check the label on packaged foods. It will show you the percentage of an adults reference intake per day. Choose foods lower in fat, salt and sugars.
- Water, lower fat milk, sugar free drinks including tea and coffee all count. Limit fruit juice and/or smoothies to a total of 150ml a day.
- Snacks - eat snacks less often and in small amounts.
- Fruits and Vegetables - eat at least five portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day.
- Potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates - choose wholegrain or higher fibre versions of these items.
- Oils and spreads - choose unsaturated oils and use in small amounts.
- Dairy and alternatives - choose lower fat and lower sugar options.
- Beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins - eat more beans and pulses. Two portions of sustainably sources fish per week, one of which is oily. Eat less red and processed meat.
While in hospital
Try to eat similar portions of food as you do at home; small, medium, and large portions are available.
Healthier dessert choices include fresh fruit, yogurt, or a portion of custard. If you don’t eat a hot pudding at home, it is better not to choose them regularly when in hospital.
If you are hungry between meals choose a healthier snack choice. These include a glass of milk (semi skimmed), fresh fruit or pots of sliced fruit, yogurt, a slice of toast or two or three crackers.
Have plenty to drink. There are regular hot drink rounds. If you normally use sweeteners please ask, they are available. Fresh water is always available and squash on request.
If you need further information on healthy eating or making healthier choices, please ask a member of the nursing team.