Food for fuel

Three women smiling and taking out fruits and vegetables

The past few years have seen all manner of different diet trends − from cutting out whole food groups to only eating for a few hours of the day. But you don’t need to do anything radical to eat well.

The past few years have seen all manner of different diet trends − from cutting out whole food groups to only eating for a few hours of the day. But you don’t need to do anything radical to eat well. Let’s explore fuelling your body with the right foods. And talk about the wonders it can do for your overall health and wellbeing.

Eating healthy just means having a balanced diet − it’s easier and much more effective than following the fads.

 

Need for nutrition

A good diet boosts your energy levels, helps you maintain a healthy weight and keeps your gut ticking over. It’s also a powerful tool in preventing chronic diseases. Things like high blood pressure, problems with your heart and diabetes are all connected with not eating well1.

When we think about nutrition, there’s lots of different foods that can help. Take avocado on toast for example. It’s not just a brunch staple, it’s actually packed with potassium which can relax muscles, regulate blood pressure and ease anxiety. And food which has lots of magnesium is great for keeping you going in between meals − so just reach for wholegrain bread, nuts or even some dark chocolate.

But nutrition and eating well has lots of benefits for mental health too. One of our feel good hormones (serotonin) is mostly found in your gut2. It helps improve your mood and stave off anxiety and depression3. So if you’ve been wondering why oily fish, eggs or soy make you happier – you’ve got the answer.

 

Healthy habits

Now that we’re on the same page about eating right, let’s work out what this looks like in your everyday. Here are some tips to help you kick things off4:

  • Eat lots of fruit and veg
  • Try to avoid processed food
  • Plan your meals ahead
  • Eat mindfully
  • Stay hydrated5
  • Don’t skip breakfast

And with Smart Health, there’s specialist nutritionists on hand to chat through your nutrition goals. They’ll give you personalised plans and tailored menus, all so you can follow a balanced diet and feel your best − inside and out.

Young woman with mouthful, eating a sandwich and laughing
Tailored nutrition advice

Get weekly meal suggestions tailored for your specific dietary needs to keep you on track.

Nutritious kitchen essentials

Our kitchen essentials guide gives you some tips on how to build a nutritious food stash, and inspiration for cooking delicious meals with essential ingredients.

1 Food and nutrition, NHS England, November 2023 (last accessed 04/12/2023)

2 Good mood foods, Teladoc Health article written for AIG Life Limited, October 2021

3 10 foods to increase serotonin, Holland and Barrett, September 2021 (last accessed 08/12/2023)

4 How to eat healthy and enjoy it too, British Heart Foundation, November 2023 (last accessed 30/11/2023)

5 Water, drinks and hydration, NHS, May 2023 (last accessed 16/01/2024)

 

Smart Health is provided to AIG Life Limited customers by Teladoc Health. We want to let you know that these services are non-contractual, which means they don’t form part of the insurance contract with us. If our partnership with Teladoc Health ends, these services could be changed or withdrawn in the future.