Healthy Diet – The Five Food Groups That Make Up a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is one that provides a balance of different foods and drinks to give your body all the nutrients it needs. Eating a range of foods from the five main food groups is important to help reduce the risk of disease and promote good health. Highly processed foods, often referred to as 'junk foods' or 'discretionary choices' should be eaten only occasionally, if at all.Vegetables and fruit are a vital part of a healthy diet. They provide many nutrients including vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. Studies have shown that people who eat vegetables and fruit regularly have a lower risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke and cancer. It's recommended that we eat at least 5 servings of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day, which can be fresh, frozen, canned or dried.Try to include some starchy foods at each meal, such as mashed potatoes, baked beans or pasta. Some people think that starchy foods are fattening, but gram for gram they contain fewer calories than fatty foods like butter or oils. It's the added fats to these foods that increase their calorie content, so limit them and choose unsaturated fats (like olive or canola oil) for cooking and at the table.Protein foods are a key part of a healthy diet, providing your body with essential building blocks for bones, muscles and skin. They can be found in fish, poultry, lean meats and tofu, as well as eggs, dairy foods (like low fat milk, yoghurt and cheese) and fortified soy beverages. Aim for a quarter of your plate to be made up of protein foods.Dairy foods are a source of calcium, which helps to keep teeth and bones strong. Opt for semi-skimmed, 1% or skimmed milk, and lower fat cheeses and yoghurt. Limit the amount of full fat dairy products you eat, and choose unsweetened yoghurts and soya drinks if possible.Fats and oils are important sources of energy, but consuming too much can contribute to weight gain, high cholesterol and raised blood pressure. Try to choose healthier options, such as unsaturated vegetable oils (olive, canola or sunflower) and cut back on fatty meats, cakes, biscuits, pastries and fried foods.It is difficult to get your kids to eat healthy meals, so it's a good idea to set a good example by eating well yourself. Limiting processed foods and sugary drinks, choosing water or lower-sugar juice, and eating a wide variety of whole foods will help your family eat better. It's also a good idea to make sure your children are getting enough physical activity. This can be as simple as taking a walk after dinner and playing games. It can also be more formal, with lessons at school, swimming and team sports in the community. Eating well is especially important for pregnant women and young children. Breastfeeding fosters healthy growth and may also protect against non-communicable diseases later in life.