Health · England
Eating and drinking well
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Food can be enjoyable.
Your choices and health needs matter.
Different foods
Different foods help your body in different ways.
Try a variety of foods you enjoy.
You do not need to get every meal perfect.
Planning meals
Choose meals you would like.
You can use pictures to make a shopping list.
Check what you can afford.
Food costs
Frozen and tinned foods can be useful.
Ask for help if you cannot afford enough food.
Drinks
Drink regularly during the day.
Ask for help to get your drink if needed.
Follow your own fluid or swallowing plan.
Looking after teeth
Sugary drinks can damage teeth.
Water is often a good choice.
Ask for help with toothbrushing and dental visits.
Help at mealtimes
You may need help to cook or eat.
You may need a special cup or cutlery.
Tell people what helps you.
Your own food plan
Some people need a special food plan.
Do not change prescribed food textures or thickener on your own.
Ask your health team for advice.
Ask for help
Tell your GP if eating or drinking becomes difficult.
Tell them if you lose weight without trying.
Ask about a dietitian if you need one.
Your choice
Your food should respect your culture and beliefs.
People should not shame you about food or your body.
What you can do next
Choose one thing you would like help with.
Ask someone you trust to help you plan.
Read NHS advice about a balanced diet Web pageThis link opens another website.
It may use harder words.
More useful links
- NHS: the Eatwell Guide Web page
A visual guide to food groups, with standard-text explanations.
- NHS: water, drinks and hydration Web page
Advice about drinking enough and healthier drink choices.
- NHS: food support and learning disability Web page
Practical shopping support and getting advice about weight concerns.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Healthy eating and drinking — Easy Read
Plan enjoyable meals, understand balanced food choices and get the support you need to eat and drink well.
England · General advice for adults and older children · Individual medical diets take priority
Enjoy a variety of foods
The NHS Eatwell Guide shows the main food groups. These include vegetables and fruit; potatoes, bread, rice or pasta; protein foods such as beans, eggs, fish or meat; and dairy foods or suitable alternatives. Balance matters across the day or week. Meals can reflect your own tastes, culture and beliefs.
Make changes that work for you
Try one manageable change, such as adding a vegetable you like or choosing a higher-fibre version of a familiar food. Frozen and tinned fruit and vegetables can be useful. You can still enjoy favourite foods. A general guide is not a reason for someone to control your food or shame your body.
Plan shopping and meals
Choose meals together and make a shopping list using words or pictures. Check what you already have, your budget and what you can store or cook. Compare prices and plan how leftovers can be used safely. If money is short, see our food banks and food-cost help guide. Agree who will help with shopping and preparing food.
Drink regularly
Keep a suitable drink within reach and offer help if someone cannot get it themselves. Water is a low-cost choice; other drinks and some foods also provide fluid. Needs vary with age, weather, activity and health. Follow prescribed fluid restrictions or thickened-drink advice. Ask a clinician about changes in drinking, signs of dehydration or difficulty swallowing.
Choose drinks with teeth in mind
Frequent sugary drinks can damage teeth. Water is usually a useful everyday choice. The NHS recommends limiting fruit juice and smoothies, and having them with a meal. Ask for advice that fits your health, food plan and preferences. Continue regular toothbrushing and dental care.
Get the right practical support
You may need accessible recipes, help opening packets, adapted cutlery, a suitable chair or more time to eat. Tell supporters what you want to do yourself. Notice whether pain, dental problems, medicine effects, communication or sensory needs make meals difficult. Ask for a dietitian or other professional when appropriate.
When general advice does not fit
Infants, young children and people with particular conditions may need different advice. The Eatwell Guide is not designed for children under 2. A person with swallowing problems, ARFID, PKU, food allergies, diabetes or another condition may need an individual plan. Do not change food textures, thickener, prescribed supplements or a specialist diet without advice.
Ask for help with changes
Contact your GP or health team if you are losing weight without trying, struggling to eat enough, eating a very limited range or finding meals painful. Ask about a dietitian, speech and language therapist or dentist according to the problem. Weight and appearance alone do not show whether someone is getting enough nutrients. Include the person’s own concerns and goals.
Words you could use
“Please help me choose and prepare enjoyable food and drinks that meet my health, communication, cultural and practical needs.”
More useful links
- NHS: the Eatwell Guide Web page
A visual guide to food groups, with standard-text explanations.
- NHS: water, drinks and hydration Web page
Advice about drinking enough and healthier drink choices.
- NHS: food support and learning disability Web page
Practical shopping support and getting advice about weight concerns.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Where the information comes from
Links checked 7 November 2026.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
- NHS: the Eatwell Guide Web page
Food groups, balance over time, individual medical needs and age limits.
- NHS: eating a balanced diet Web page
Variety and the main food groups.
- NHS: water, drinks and hydration Web page
Regular drinking, individual needs and sugary drinks.
- NHS: managing weight with a learning disability Web page
Involving the person, practical meal planning and seeking advice about weight changes.