Download The New Eatwell Guide

The New Eatwell Guide
In March 2016 the Eatwell Plate was superseded by the Eatwell Guide. The Eatwell Plate
was widely recognised and used in healthcare and education settings. The Eatwell Guide is a
policy tool used to define government recommendations on eating healthily and achieving a
balanced diet.
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The main differences are:
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The ‘high in fats and sugars’ group have been removed from the main plate. Oils and
spreads are still included as some fats are essential, but other products such as
sweets and cake have been removed. This is to dispel the idea that these foods are
essential in a healthy, balanced diet that was not obvious in the old model.
Guidance has been given on the amount and types of fluids to choose.
There is guidance linked each food groups relating to the healthier options in that
group.
There is an example of the front of packaging traffic light system.
The cutlery has been removed to reduce confusion that this balance is to be
implemented at every meal time.
The food group names have been changed to highlight the more sustainable foods.
Fruit juice has been removed from fruit and vegetables and is now included in
hydration with a one glass a day message.
A message about adult average energy requirements is included for people to use as
a marker.
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Even though adult energy requirements are given this balance is generally suitable
for those over 5 years old.
The Eatwell Guide is split into 5 segments to represent the 5 food groups as follows:
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Potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy carbohydrate foods: 38 %
Fruit and vegetables: 40 %
Dairy and alternatives: 8%
Beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other protein: 12 %
Oils and spreads: 1%
The Eatwell Guide could appear unachievable or unrealistic for many people especially
those with poor motivation to make lifestyle changes or those that have a low fibre/ high fat
and sugar diet. This tool can be used as a way to broach and enter into discussions to
explore appropriate, incremental changes that are achievable for our service users.
Donna Manson, Specialist Dietitian- Adolescent Psychiatry [email protected]
Physical Health Challenges in Mental Health Practice Bulletin Issue 7 2016, NHSGGC Mental Health
Services