1. Don't skip breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day - it gives you energy and the necessary vitamins and minerals and can help stop the mid-morning cravings.

2. Enjoy a variety of foods
Variety is the spice of life, but It's also the recipe for good health. Eat lots of different foods every day to make sure you get the right balance of nutrients - see the Eat Well plate for more info.

3. Know your fats
Limit the amount of saturated ('bad') fat in your diet by reducing the dairy, cakes, biscuits, fatty meat and processed meats you eat. Try low fat dairy, trimming fat off meat and using unsaturated oils ('good' fats) such as olive oil or rapeseed oil when cooking.

4. Base each meal on foods rich in starch and fibre
Starchy foods such as cereals, bread, pasta, rice and potatoes are an essential part of a well balanced, healthy diet. Whenever possible, go for the wholegrain option.

5. Eat five a day
This can include fresh, tinned or frozen fruit and veg. Cook food gently to preserve vitamin and nutritional content. For example, use less water when boiling vegetables or try steaming. And try to get a variety of colours on your plate - see our five a day page for more info.

6. Eat more fish
Eat at least two portions a week, one of which should be oily, such as salmon, fresh tuna or mackerel. Fish is a great source of protein, as well as minerals and vitamins.

7. Skip the salt
Don't add salt at the table and get into the habit of checking food labels for salt content - see more about salt.

8. Avoid added sugar
Try to eat less food that contains 'empty calories'. These include biscuits, cakes, sweets and sugary drinks which are high in sugar and low in nutritional value.

9. Stay hydrated
Try to drink six to eight cups or glasses a day - that's roughly 1.2 litres - not including alcohol. During exercise and in hot weather, you might need to drink more. Find out more about fluids and alcohol.

10. Get physical
Enjoy at least 30 minutes of heart pumping activity every day. Go for a brisk walk, dance around the living room or tackle the housework. Whatever you do, enjoy it.