Oldham health: 5 simple food changes to improve health and planet

NHS Greater Manchester has launched a simple guide to healthier eating that could save residents money while helping the planet. The health service is promoting five easy changes ahead of Nutrition and Hydration Week, targeting the confusion many people feel about where to start with healthy eating.

The recommendations include cutting back on dairy and red meat, which health officials say can reduce cancer and heart disease risks while significantly lowering carbon emissions. Food systems contribute 30% of global carbon emissions, with livestock responsible for more than half of that figure.

Local health leaders are encouraging residents to embrace whole foods like grains, nuts, seeds, and plant-based proteins, pointing to the Mediterranean diet's proven benefits for mental health and wellbeing. They're also promoting seasonal UK-grown produce, which creates less environmental impact than imported food and often costs less.

For families looking to save money, the health service recommends weekly meal planning to reduce food waste and cut shopping bills. Those wanting to go further can grow their own fruit and vegetables, with Manchester-based social enterprise Sow the City offering free gardening programmes for residents with health challenges.