The NHS Eatwell Guide shows how much of what we do eat should come from food groups to ensure a balance over each day. The micronutrient content of each food is different, so it’s best to eat a variety of foods to get enough vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals are vital for growth, immune function, brain development and many other important functions. The Legs Go Website Feed your body page has recipes and more information about how to get the best elements from food choices.

The Legs Go website Feed your body page has recipe ideas that incorporates all food groups and supports the skin and leg health.

This means eating a wide variety of foods in the right proportions and consuming the right amount of food and drink to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. The NHS Eatwell food guide has information on all the food groups and making the best choices, it can be found on the Legs Go website on the Feed your body page.

Speak to your health care professions about NHS Health and wellbeing coaches. They support people to increase their ability to self-manage, motivation levels and commitment to change their lifestyle. They are experts in behaviour change and focus on improving health related outcomes by working with people to set personalised goals and change their behaviours. Try to make small changes in nutrition and movement initially, look at the information on our feed your body and move your body sections for more information.

A healthy diet and keeping active will help you manage your blood sugar level. Eat a wide range of foods – including fruit, vegetables, and some starchy foods like pasta, keep sugar, fat, and salt to a minimum. Get advice and support from your health care professionals in monitoring.

If a wound has developed, nutrition plays a vital role in the healing process. This is because the body needs protein, energy (calories), vitamins and minerals (such as vitamin C, iron, and zinc), and plenty of fluids to support the wound healing process.

The body may need more protein if a wound is present. Foods that are high in protein include meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, beans, and pulses. Having at least one of these foods at each meal will benefit.

If a person isn’t eating enough, it can lead to weight loss and less muscle strength. They may also feel tired and weak. In addition to increasing calorie intake, one pint of milk per day or a variety of milk and dairy foods such as milk puddings, cheese or yoghurts is encouraged as a food first approach. This can be achieved by simple adjustments to diet and texture of food can also be changed if swallowing problems are present or appetite is low. Further support can be accessed from Age UK and www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/poor-appetite-dementia

Buying fresh food and cooking meals does not have to be an expensive choice. Many supermarkets now supply ‘wonky’ vegetables and fruit at cheaper prices. Late in the day price reductions, or if you have markets close by these are an option. Batch cooking and freezing food limiting waste. Nutritious soups and stews, pasta and curries go a long way. There are multiple foodbanks throughout the UK, you can check eligibility online. Ask your GP practice about any lifestyle groups and social prescribing if you need further help with this and any other financial concerns.