Social Health: Effects of a healthy diet

Diet affects the overall health and well being of a person. Eating a balanced and healthy diet or an unhealthy diet affects a person's social, physical and emotional health, which are inter-related and are dependent upon each other.

When a person eats a healthy diet, the effects on their social health include:

Having increased opportunities to meet like-minded people

• To socialise with people who enjoy eating the same types of healthy foods or going to restaurants that serve fresh, healthy meals.

Developing friendships

• A person may meet new people through groups who enjoy eating meals made from fresh ingredients. They may meet at a cooking class and share cooking experiences and recipes.

Getting good rest

• Eating a healthy diet helps a person be more relaxed and able to think clearly when speaking to people and so develop self-confidence when speaking to others.

Feeling good

• A person may actively seek out ways to socialise with others, as they feel good about how they look and feel.