A HEALTHY DIET

Food is the fuel your body uses to keep you strong. When the body is under attack from an
infection, it uses more energy and nutrients to fight the infection.

PURPOSE OF A HEALTHY DIET

Healthy eating can strengthen your body so that your immune system is able to fight
infections associated with HIV and AIDS.
A healthy diet provides energy and nutrients.
Healthy eating means eating foods that supply your body with all the energy and nutrients it
needs every day.
To be healthy, you need the right balance of starchy foods, fats and oils, proteins, vitamins,
minerals and water.
This can cause diarrhea and you lose water and nutrients from your body which results in
dehydration.
The HI-virus may cause damage to your gut lining, which means that you may not be able to
digest and absorb nutrients properly.

EAT A WIDE VARIETY OF FOODS

Make starchy foods the basis of most meals.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables every day.
Animal proteins should be eaten daily.
Eat dry beans, peas, lentils and soy regularly.
Include sugar, fats and oils.
Prepare and store food safely.

HEALTHY EATING DOES NOT HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE

Choose vegetables and fruit that are in season as this is when they are cheapest.
Lentils, beans and soya mince are cheaper than meat and chicken.
Drink water and Rooibos tea rather than fizzy cool drinks.
Prepare your own fresh food rather than buying pre-prepared meals or fast food.

COUNSELING FOR HIV-POSITIVE ADULTS

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO TELL EVERYBODY

Not everyone needs that you are HIV-positive.

Tell only the people who you know you can rely on for care and support.
Do not be ashamed, remember, anyone can get HIV.
Write down a list of people you want to tell.
Include your parents, children, close friends and people you work or attend school with.

JOIN A SUPPORT GROUP

Try to find information from your local clinic or church.

Attend the meetings of the support group in your community.
Discuss all your problems and fears you may have.
If there are no support groups, think about starting your own.

DEALING WITH DEATH AND DYING

Most people feel uncomfortable talking about death.

This is the only thing all people know for certain – we all have to die some or the other time.
Think about the future while you are still strong.
Make plans that will help your family cope after your death.
Everyone should do this, not only people who are HIV-positive.

DEALING WITH MONEY MATTERS

Make a list of:

All the things you own
All the people and places you own money to
The names and addresses of your employer
Your income tax number
Your banking details
Details of any investments and insurance policies
Any other important numbers that your family members need to know