Food for thought

Food is essential to life and is a major influence on health. A balanced, nutritious and safe diet is important for physical and mental well being and can protect against the onset of many diseases throughout life.

Across the world there remain significant challenges with respect to the security of food supplies and food safety. In Scotland the main challenge we face is ensuring that everyone has the ability to achieve a balanced diet that supports optimal health and reduces the risk of illness or premature death from conditions such as coronary heart disease and cancer.

East Lothian Council is actively working with our partners to ensure that all members of the community in East Lothian can access the kind of food choices that lead to a safe, balanced and nutritious diet.

What is a healthy Diet?

The central message we wish to promote in relation to food and health is that of balance. The ‘Eating for Health’ model depicted below shows the major food groups and the proportions of each food group required for a balanced diet.

In general people in Scotland need to eat more fruit and vegetables, more bread and cereals and more oily fish. We need to balance this by eating less food that is high in fat, sugar and salt.

Advice on how to eat a healthy diet 

Visit www.healthyliving.gov.uk
www.bbc.co.uk/health/nutrition/
www.nutrition.org.uk/

Want to know more about local food events

East Lothian Food Festival

Farmers Market

Just for Starters - East Lothian Food in Schools Conference

Want to know more about food hygiene and food safety?

Environmental Health

Healthy School Meals in East Lothian - Information on Hungry For Success

Foodlink

Find out about Community Food Initiatives

www.dietproject.org.uk/
Roots and Fruits

Contact us at communitycare@eastlothian.gov.uk