What's in your food?

This section gives you information about food groups and fluids so you can make informed healthier choices - the key to a well balanced diet.

Carbohydrate foods

Carbohydrate foods such as breads, potato, cereals and pasta are our body's preferred source of energy. They are an important part of any healthy diet and vital for exercise.

Fruit and Vegetables

Packed with vitamins and minerals while low in fat, fruit and veg should make up about a third of the food you eat each day

Dairy products

Excellent sources of protein and calcium - we should aim to eat three portions a day for strong bones and teeth.

Protein

Vital for energy, growth, maintenance and repair of muscle- we should aim to eat 2-3 portions of protein foods a day.

Fats

Fat is a good source of energy and also of the essential fatty acids that the body is incapable of making itself

Sugars

Although we need some fats and sugars, high fat and sugary foods should take up no more than 7% of your daily food intake for good health

Calories

Our body’s unit of energy-we need to maintain a balance of calories consumed and calories used from exercise for a healthy weight.

Fluids

Drinking fluids and taking in water through food will help ensure we stay hydrated and help keep body functions working efficiently.

Salt and Sodium

Eating the correct amount of salt in your diet helps to maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Vitamins and Minerals

Essential nutrients that our body’s need to maintain a healthy immune system, support normal growth and development, and to help cells and organs do their jobs efficiently.