Eating well keeps you well – it’s true!

We’re thrilled to announce that Maya is the lucky winner of this term’s Eat Well to Stay Well competition! 🎉 Yesterday, Maya proudly received her certificate and a £50 prize, which she can spend on anything she likes.

The Eat Well to Stay Well project is funded by the Hinkley Point Community Fund to support families in Bridgwater in improving their physical and mental health through better eating habits. And it’s clear – it really works. When you eat better, you feel better. Maya's mum, Irina, can confirm this firsthand. After the family started making healthier choices, Irina began to notice real changes – both in how she felt and in her blood test results. Irina was diagnosed with insulin resistance and high blood pressure. But after changing her diet, her most recent blood test showed a significant improvement – her blood sugar levels are now in the normal range. She's also feeling more energetic and mentally balanced.

So what did they change?

Maya joined the Eat Well to Stay Well sessions at Hamp Academy, where she took home a leaflet explaining the project. The timing couldn’t have been better for the family. Irina, Maya’s mum, had been struggling with health issues, including depression, weight gain, high blood pressure and insulin resistance. The family made a decision to tackle it through changing their eating habits – and they all joined the project: Eat well to stay well! 

The core idea of the Eat Well to Stay Well project is simple:

Eat balanced, eat a variety, and aim for at least 30 different plants per week – and of course, fresh, protein-rich food.

This includes a wide range of fruits and vegetables, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, some starchy foods like rice, potatoes, and grains, as well as seven different types of protein throughout the week, such as different meats, poultry, fish, and eggs.

At school, Maya learned about these food groups and was encouraged to try new things. She admitted that in the past, she didn’t like trying new foods – for example, pomegranate. But during the session, all the children were encouraged to try at least a teaspoon of each item. Much to her surprise, Maya discovered she loved pomegranate! She also tried freshly caught fish from the fish counter that morning – and it was absolutely delicious.

Encouraged by the experience, Maya proudly filled out the Eat Well plate at home, determined to complete every section – and her mum was 100% on board. Together, the family started cutting down on sugar and processed foods, and added more vegetables, lentils, fresh fish, and fresh meat into their weekly meals.

One small step – like trying a teaspoon of lentils at school – led to real change. Lentil soup is now a weekly favourite at home, alongside fresh fish with salad, and fresh meat and lots of colourful vegetables. Learning how to combine foods in the right way has been crucial in helping Irina manage her insulin resistance and boost her overall well-being.

The family’s message to others is clear:

“Take one step toward a healthier lifestyle today, keep going tomorrow, and you will reach your goal.”

The Eat Well to Stay Well competition continues this summer! 🥗☀️

You can download the Eat Well plate on our website, track your meals, try new foods, and take steps toward better health – just like Maya and her family.