Healthy eating doesn't have to mean eating only lettuce leaves and carrots for lunch – the important thing is eating a variety of different foods.
The food wheel
A balanced diet includes items from all the main food groups.
- Carbohydrates - this includes bread, potatoes, pasta, rice and cereals. These types of foods should make up around one third of your total diet and form the basis for meals.
- Fruit and vegetables - everyone should aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. Choosing fruit as snacks or adding raisins to your breakfast cereal all count to your total.
- Protein - meat, fish, chicken and eggs are all sources of protein. Vegetarian alternatives like beans, nuts and grains also have protein.
- Milk and dairy foods - cheese, yogurt, milk and fromage frais are good sources of calcium. These foods should be eaten in moderate amounts.
- Fats and sugars - these should be eaten sparingly and lower fat versions should be chosen if possible. Fatty and sugary foods include pastries, fried food, sweets, crisps, biscuits and cakes.
Find out more about a balanced diet on the food plate page of the Healthy Living website.
