Good Food
type: channel
link: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com
date: 2025-11-27T15:06:57.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Read this to be prepared for everyday family health emergencies
items: Is your child’s diet better than yours?
items: Can you avoid weight gain during menopause?
items: Healthy student meal plan
items: From boomers to Gen Z, which generation is the healthiest?
items: Is there too much sugar in baby food?
items: Sugar addiction and children
items: What to eat before an exam
items: Top 10 healthy meals for kids
items: Seven gadgets that can help you to reduce food waste

Read this to be prepared for everyday family health emergencies
type: item
date: 2025-11-27T15:06:57.000Z
creator: Kayleigh Rattle
subject: Family health
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
subject: health and wellbeing
description: One minute everything’s fine and the next you’re facing an unexpected crisis. Here’s how to navigate challenging situations calmly, and to promptly get the right help for you and your family
encoded: Whether it’s a burn, sprain, broken bone or choking incident, family life is often riddled with unexpected perils that will have you trying to stay calm while simultaneously finding the right kind of support. To help alleviate panic, here’s the lowdown on what to do if you’re faced with a common family health emergency: The emergency: burns The scenario: Whether inquisitive little hands have accidentally reached for the hob, or someone has spilled boiling water from the kettle, a burn requires immediate attention, no matter the age of the person it’s happened to. How to tell if it’s serious: “The seriousness of burns should not be underestimated,” advises Rebecca Guy, senior policy manager at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. “They can be extremely painful and can even cause lifelong scarring. Any burn that is large, blistered, deep or affects sensitive areas like the face, hands or joints should be treated as serious.” What you should do: “The first step is always to cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes, then cover it with cling film,” explains Rebecca. You’ll also want to take a trip to A&E if the burn is serious. “Because children's skin is thinner and more vulnerable, even smaller burns can have lasting consequences. Parents should always seek medical attention immediately if their baby or a child is affected,” she adds. The emergency: choking The scenario: As much as we love and need food, errant bones or food not chopped or chewed properly before swallowing (especially with children and older people) can pose serious risks and result in choking incidents. How to tell if it’s serious: “Choking is a medical emergency,” says Rebecca. “If a person's airway is only partly blocked, they may still be able to cough or speak. If this is the case, encourage them to keep coughing. But if the person cannot breathe, cry or make any sound, act immediately.” What you should do: “Give back blows followed by abdominal thrusts if neces…

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Is your child’s diet better than yours?
type: item
date: 2025-10-03T09:25:13.000Z
creator: Catherine Rabess
subject: Family health
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: How many of us obsess about what we’re feeding our kids, while neglecting our own diet? Dietitian and mum Catherine shares her confessions and advice from the parenting frontline.
encoded: My three-year-old has eaten spinach pasta, carrots for breakfast and seeded sourdough this week. Sounds impressive – until you realise the spinach was blitzed into pesto, the carrots were hidden in porridge, and the sourdough was slathered in butter and jam. As both a dietitian and a parent, there’s an unspoken pressure to feed your child as though you’re raising a little monk: no sugar, no fast food and certainly nothing beige. While I genuinely believe that foods containing free sugars with no nutritional benefit, like sweets, should be limited in the early years, that doesn’t mean I abide by this rule religiously. The irony is, I often spend more time worrying about what goes into his mouth than my own. There have been many times I’ve fed him a nutritious balanced breakfast while I settle for a coffee and his crumbs. If parenting has taught me anything, it’s this: we’ll go to great lengths to make sure our kids are eating well, while forgetting our own plates in the process. So, is my toddler's diet better than mine? It depends on how you define “better.” What is ‘better’ anyway? Let’s be honest, “better” can mean different things depending on whether you’re scrolling Instagram or talking to a dietitian. Is a child’s diet better because it’s organic? Sugar-free? Packaged in eco-friendly, beige-toned pouches? A toddler’s diet should support growth and brain development, with carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscles, fats for the brain, and fruit and veg for vitamins and fibre. NHS guidelines recommend children aged 1-4 years eat a varied diet from the four main food groups: starchy foods, fruits and vegetables, protein foods (meat, fish, eggs, beans, tofu) and dairy or alternatives. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being consistent over time. A good diet isn’t measured by one meal or even one week. It’s a pattern, not a snapshot. And those baby-specific snacks? They can be a real lifesaver when you’re out and about and haven’t had time to prep anythin…

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Can you avoid weight gain during menopause?
type: item
date: 2025-09-05T12:32:29.000Z
creator: Katy Bradbury
subject: Family health
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: Developing a bit of a tummy is a common experience for women during perimenopause. Can it be prevented, and is it even a problem?
encoded: For many midlife women, one of the changes they notice most – or first, before any other noticeable shifts – is weight creeping on, particularly around the middle. So many women tell me that this occurs even when nothing else has changed, and it can feel incredibly frustrating. We already know that body image issues can be a cause for poor mental health in menopausal women, not least because we live in a society that is still fat-phobic and that values youth above wisdom. It can feel a particularly poignant development for those experiencing natural midlife changes. When we have lived the first half of our lives being conditioned into the notion that looks and certain body shapes are currency, if these start to change it can feel like we are losing much of our value. It can take some rejigging of ingrained attitudes to fully appreciate midlife you, and your inherent worth. If you are looking for practical advice on how to support your body and wellbeing during this transition, you may find it helpful to explore this guide on what to eat during menopause, which offers dietary tips and lifestyle strategies tailored to this stage of life. How your body changes in perimenopause and menopause From a health point of view, the type of fat that’s more likely to be stored in perimenopause and beyond is called visceral fat which tends to be stored around the middle, and this type of fat is associated with cardio-metabolic risks. This is exemplified by the fact that throughout the lifespan, men are at higher risk of heart attack, up until menopause at which point women catch up. By understanding what’s happening in your body, and making supportive choices around food, movement, and lifestyle, you can feel more comfortable in your skin during this transition, as well as help buffer against some of the primary causes of death in the Western world. The years leading up to menopause (the point 12 months after your last period) are called perimenopause, and you can find out more ab…

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Healthy student meal plan
type: item
creator: Kerry Torrens – Nutritionist
subject: Budget
subject: Family
subject: Family health
subject: Health
subject: Affordable
subject: Cheap
subject: Comfort
subject: Crowd
subject: Easy
subject: Freeze
subject: goodhealth
subject: Group
subject: Kerry Torrens
subject: Quick
subject: seven
subject: Student
subject: student meal plan
subject: Student meals
subject: Student recipes
subject: Uni
subject: University
description: Off to uni? Our Good Food nutritionist selects a range of cheap, quick and easy student recipes for seven days. They'll keep you fuelled for study, too
encoded: About the plan We’ve chosen our seven-day student suppers because they’re nutritious, balanced and cater to a range of dietary requirements. They’re budget meals, too, so they don’t require expensive ingredients, lots of equipment or previous cooking experience. This cheap student meal plan also aims to keep the selection of ingredients low so you can buy in bulk to keep costs down. And the best part is, all the suppers involve minimal prep and result in as little washing-up as possible. Recipes that serve four or more can be scaled back to account for smaller servings, or you can freeze extra portions for another time. Alternatively, team up with a couple of housemates and share the cooking and the cost. Check out our easy week-long meal plan of healthy student suppers below, then find more inspiration for student recipes, student meal ideas and healthy student meals. Also, make sure you are kitted out with all the right equipment by reading our review of the best student kitchen essentials. Our new meal plan hub has all our meal plans in one place. This guide was brought to you by Cook Smart, a campaign designed by Good Food experts to help you save money and reduce food waste. Dive into more Cook Smart content in our budget hub. Student budget meal plan recipes Monday: Vegan jambalaya Kickstart the week with a delicious plant-based dinner. This vegan rice and bean one-pot is packed with all five of your 5-a-day, as well as iron, vitamin C and fibre to boot. Tuesday: Sardine pasta On Tuesday, turn your hand to this simple and comforting sardine pasta. It's an affordable way to include oily fish in your diet; canned sardines are a great source of omega 3 and add plenty of oomph. Wednesday: Double bean & roasted pepper chilli This warming vegetarian chilli is perfect for packing in the veggies and flavour. A low-fat, healthy option, we like to serve it with soured cream or yoghurt as well as Tabasco sauce for a kick. Thursday: Vegan chickpea curry jacket potato Low …

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From boomers to Gen Z, which generation is the healthiest?
type: item
date: 2025-08-08T09:54:12.000Z
creator: Vicky Chandler
subject: Family health
subject: Health
subject: ageing
subject: ageing well
subject: goodhealth
description: When it comes to living the healthiest, which generation has cracked the code?
encoded: Gen Zers are sober-curious, screen-savvy and doing their breathwork before breakfast, while boomers are striding into their later life on a diet of oily fish and good red wine. And millennials? Well, I’m somewhere between oat milk, burnout and infrared saunas, but we’re trying… When it comes to living the healthiest, which generation has actually cracked the code? With the help of expert insight, data dives and a few sweeping (but loving) generational stereotypes, we’re here to find out who’s really living their best life. Baby boomers (born 1946-1964) How to identify: The original wellness rebels, who once smoked on planes and had a couple of wines at lunch hour, but now walk 10k steps a day and keep a close eye on their cholesterol. Many are retired or close to it, with more time and disposable income to invest in their health. Favourite dishes and food trends: The meat-and-two-veg generation, who are lovers of real butter and custard-laden puddings. They came of age with the rise of convenience food, but many have since returned to scratch cooking. Olive oil is big, and so is a trip to M&S. While they might roll their eyes at avocado toast, they do take their supplements with pride. Healthy habits: Baby boomers have seen public health advice evolve at a rapid rate. They may not be regulars at the local Crossfit gym, but they’re pretty active – walking, gardening, swimming, yoga, golf. However, fewer take part in strength-training or structured fitness; alcohol consumption remains fairly high (they’re known as ‘the booziest generation’) and although many have quit smoking, the habit has left a long tail of chronic illness. What the data says: This generation is living longer than any before them, but are not always healthier. In research from UCL, baby boomers were one and a half times more likely than previous generations to have cancer, lung disease, heart problems and high cholesterol as they entered their 50s and 60s. According to the NHS, 71 per cent of baby …

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Is there too much sugar in baby food?
type: item
date: 2025-06-04T14:28:48.000Z
creator: Dr Frankie Phillips – Registered dietitian and public health nutritionist
subject: Family health
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: How to
subject: Baby food
subject: Dr Frankie Phillips
subject: goodhealth
subject: homemade baby food
subject: sugar in baby food
subject: weaning
description: The sugar content of baby food has been brought under the spotlight with a report revealing many foods promoted as ‘healthy’ snack choices are anything but...
encoded: Is there too much sugar in baby food? With headlines suggesting some UK baby pouch foods contain as much sugar as a fizzy drink, navigating the UK baby food market seems to be as challenging as ever. We asked dietitian and child nutritionist Dr Frankie Phillips to talk us through why some of these options may be dangerous for a baby's health. The formative years The first years of a baby’s life are crucial for establishing healthy eating habits. However, statistics suggest that during these months children are already starting to consume ‘free sugars,’ the type we should all limit in our diets. In fact, some toddlers are eating in excess of the amount advised for children of four years and older. Much of the problem is down to misleading messages that dupe parents into buying products they believe to be ‘healthy’. In fact, many of these products could be argued to carry a health ‘halo’ declaring ‘no added sugar’, ‘organic’ etc. when in fact they contain high levels of naturally occurring ‘free’ sugars from ingredients like concentrated fruit juice or processed fruit purée. A recent study by the University of Leeds found half of the baby foods they assessed contained inappropriate levels of sugar and a quarter were so excessive they would warrant warning labels under the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. The study also found that one in five first weaning foods were too low in energy to support healthy growth and 14 per cent of the vegetable-based meals did not contain adequate protein. Why the baby food sector needs guidance Although some baby food brands are working to reduce the sugars in their products, there are still some with unsuitable sugar levels and misleading labelling. The industry focus has been primarily on commercial baby foods and snacks, leading us to ask whether ready-made jars and pouches, as well as snack foods, have a place in the diet of babies and young children. Some brands actively undermine the UK government’s advice on weaning, s…

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Sugar addiction and children
type: item
date: 2025-06-04T11:49:13.000Z
creator: Dr Frankie Phillips – Registered dietitian and public health nutritionist
subject: Family health
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: How to
subject: children and sugar
subject: Dr Frankie Phillips
subject: goodhealth
subject: how much sugar should children eat?
description: Why is it children love sugar? We explore the science that explains why our kids seem addicted to all things sweet, and take a look at the way our tastebuds change as we age.
encoded: Children seem to have a much higher tolerance for sugary foods, but how do our tastebuds develop as we get older? Registered dietitian Dr Frankie Phillips takes a look at the scientific reasons behind our preferences for sweet flavours. Discover our healthy family recipes, healthy kids' recipes and low-sugar recipes. Plus, read how much sugar should children have. Babies, breast milk and beyond Babies have an innate preference for sweetness, starting with the slightly sweet taste of breast milk. They also have more sensitive tastebuds (and many more of them), so new foods can offer an intense explosion of flavour, which might not always be that welcomed. A baby's mouth has more nerve endings per square millimetre than any other part of their body, which explains why babies explore new objects with their mouths. It’s also worth remembering that what mum eats while pregnant and breastfeeding may also shape her baby’s taste preferences. Recent research suggests that limiting sugar exposure in-utero and during the first two years of your child’s life may help protect against conditions like type-2 diabetes later in life. As your infant develops, you’ll notice they seem to have a natural instinct to search out energy-rich foods. No great surprise then that kids have a genetic disposition for seeking out the sweet stuff! What is a supertaster? Some children find new (especially bitter) tastes more acceptable because their tastebuds are programmed to be less sensitive. Others are ‘supertasters’, meaning they have a heightened sense of taste. It’s partly a survival mechanism, since many poisonous plants also taste bitter or sour, making them less appealing, so we are hardwired to avoid them. These supertasters might find the bitter taste of brassica and cruciferous vegetables such as brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower very challenging. The good news is that we can learn to accept these tastes, which, given the nutritional benefits of these foods, is excellent news. D…

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What to eat before an exam
type: item
date: 2025-06-03T08:53:45.000Z
creator: Roxanne Fisher
subject: Family
subject: Family health
subject: Health
subject: Wellness
subject: boost brain power
subject: brain food
subject: Eat smart
subject: eating for exams
subject: goodhealth
subject: improve memory
subject: revision food
subject: studying
description: If you've been hitting the books to revise for an exam (or know someone who has), discover which foods will nourish the body and keep your brain alert and focused.
encoded: Having just started studying again in my late twenties, I am reminded of all the desperate ways we try to overload our brains when exams loom. Record cards, corkboards, exercise books, revision plans, mock tests and lots of sticky notes jostle for space, and while everyone's capacity for learning is different, there are practical things you can do to ensure your brain is ready to absorb all that information. How to optimise your exam performance Late nights, stress, missed meals and quick food fixes all play havoc with our ability to concentrate, absorb information and function properly. So, if you're in the midst of a revision frenzy, give yourself the very best chance with our top tips to optimise your performance. In the lead up to the exam and on the day Eat wisely in the lead up to an exam and on the day itself, and you’re more likely to fine-tune your problem-solving capabilities and enhance your overall performance. Foods that supply a steady source of energy (known as low glycaemic foods) are ideal fuel sources for a hard-working brain, as are foods rich in essential micronutrients like zinc, iron and vitamin B12. Don’t neglect your hydration levels either – water is essential for your brain cells to communicate. Even mild dehydration may slow the speed at which your brain processes information. The NHS recommends you drink around 1.2 litres (or six to eight glasses) of hydrating fluid a day, most of which should be water. The night before the exam The final piece to your exam strategy has to be a good night’s sleep – this improves your brain’s ability to adapt to inputs, which helps you learn better, process memories more accurately, and clear out the waste products more efficiently. Lack of sleep will make revising more difficult, and you'll be much more likely to reach for a sugary fix to get you through the learning lulls. Practical strategies include warm milk and herbal teas before bed – these may have a sedative effect, while a carb-rich snack an hour…

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Top 10 healthy meals for kids
type: item
creator: Tai Ibitoye
subject: Family
subject: Family health
subject: Health
subject: goodhealth
subject: Healthy meals
subject: healthy meals for children
subject: Healthy meals for kids
subject: Kids meals
description: Discover healthy meals for kids with dietitian Tai Ibitoye’s top picks. She shares why these nourishing, kid-friendly dishes support growing bodies.
encoded: From the age of five, children's diets should contain foods from a variety of food groups so they receive a range of nutrients required for growth, development and general health. Their diet should include plenty of starchy carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables, plus some protein and dairy or dairy alternative foods. Get your kids eating healthy dinners with our nutritious and flavoursome recipes for every night of the week. Discover even more great content in our family and kids hub. You'll find our top lunchbox recipes, tasty after-school snacks and easy recipes kids can make themselves. 1. Pitta pocket Our quick and easy pitta pockets made with chicken, tomatoes and cucumbers. Chicken is a good source of protein, which is essential for growth, maintenance and repair of the body, while the cucumber and tomatoes counts towards your child’s five-a-day intake. Wholemeal pitta also provides a source of energy for your growing child, and fibre, which is filling and important for maintaining a healthy gut. 2. Hidden veg ragu If you struggle to get your kids eating their vegetables, try our hidden veg ragu. Packed with celery, carrots and tomatoes with pork and beef mince, this makes for a flavour-packed family meal and the kids never need to know about the veg. We've also got more hidden veg recipes you can try. 3. Budget porridge Breakfast is an important meal for children as it supports their energy stores for morning activities. In fact, research suggests that children who eat breakfast have been shown to concentrate better throughout the morning. This budget porridge is loaded with fibre-rich oats and topped with grated apple, raisins, walnuts and cinnamon. As the name suggests, it's also great for those on a budget. Check out our favourite storecupboard recipes for more money-savvy meal ideas. 4. Macaroni cheese with veg The whole family will love this mac & cheese with veg, like spinach and cherry tomatoes. Cheese can form part of a healthy, balanced diet for young …

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Seven gadgets that can help you to reduce food waste
type: item
date: 2025-03-13T12:36:37.000Z
creator: Natalie Bass
subject: Budget
subject: Europe Travel
subject: Family health
subject: Global travel
subject: Guide
subject: Health conditions
subject: Healthy food guides
subject: Interviews and Features
subject: News & Trends
subject: Nutrition
subject: Premium
subject: Review
subject: Special diets
subject: Supplements
subject: Sustainability
subject: UK Travel
subject: Weight loss
subject: Wellness
subject: Travel
subject: Health
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
subject: low waste
description: Over half of food waste in the UK comes from our homes, so we're spotlighting the best gadgets and tools that could help you reduce how much you throw away
encoded: As food lovers, we struggle to see ingredients and leftovers going to waste, so we're always looking for easy solutions that help us cut back on how much we throw away. According to climate action charity WRAP, which is behind Food Waste Action Week, a staggering 10.7 million tonnes of food waste is generated in the UK every year, and while a chunk of that is produced by farms, manufacturers, restaurants and supermarkets, around 60 per cent of food waste comes from our own homes. But as we hard as we try to keep track of use-by dates, repurpose leftovers and remember those items hidden at the back of the fridge, we could all do with a helping hand – and that's where the products listed below come in. These tools have been designed with reducing food waste in mind, to help you throw away less, save money on your grocery bills, and lower your carbon footprint in the process. We've included some items that you'll be familiar with but perhaps haven't considered buying before, plus other unique gadgets that make it easier to store and repurpose your food more efficiently. For further tips and to find out how the Good Food team uses up leftovers and spare ingredients from the Test Kitchen, read our guide on how to reduce food waste. This guide was brought to you by Cook Smart, a campaign designed by Good Food experts to help you save money and reduce food waste. Dive into more Cook Smart content in our budget hub. Seven gadgets that can help you to reduce food waste Joseph Joseph FridgeStore™ clear rotating organiser Available from Joseph Joseph (£20), Fenwick (£20) If your fridge-freezer and cupboards are packed to the rafters with jars and bottles you don't use regularly, this clever multi-tiered turntable from Joseph Joseph will help you keep track what you have in stock. We've all made the mistake of buying a surplus of ingredients we didn't know we already had, but with this organiser, you'll have a better visibility of smaller items that are at risk of getting lost,…

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