Purchasing healthy ingredients for recipes does not need to be an expensive experience, one expert has pointed out.

Harry MacMillan, chief executive officer of MEND, said that simple substitutions can make a real difference to how healthy a meal is.

"We encourage families to swap white bread and rice for wholegrain as it's not only more nutritious but also more filling, so you're less likely to snack between meals," he explained.

Mr MacMillan highlighted that dairy products could be swapped for low-fat versions and unhealthy snacks can be exchanged for pieces of fruit.

In many cases, this will save people money and they may not even realise it, the expert noted, while also making it much simpler for them to make healthy choices.

MEND is a social enterprise that provides free, local healthy living programmes for families with children between the ages of two and 13.