What is a Balanced Diet?: An Easy Read Guide
![Cafe](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/guys-cafe.jpg)
If you were wondering what is a balanced diet, or what are the different types of food groups, we have covered them in this easy ready guide to a balanced diet!
Why is a Balanced Diet important?
![Food Healthy (1)](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Food-Healthy-1.png)
A balanced diet has lots of different kinds of food.
A balanced diet has a healthy amount of each kind of food.
![Healthy 1 (1)](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Healthy-1-1.png)
A balanced diet is an important part of being healthy.
It helps you feel your best and stay a healthy weight.
![Annual Health Check 2 (2)](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Annual-Health-Check-2-2.png)
If you have special food needs or a medical condition you can ask your doctor for food advice.
The 5 Main Food Groups
Fruit and Vegetables
![Picture8](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Picture8.png)
Try to eat 5 kinds of fruit and vegetables every day.
They can be fresh, frozen, canned or dried.
![Juice orange](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Juice-orange.png)
1 small glass of juice or smoothie is one of your 5 a day.
Drinking more is unhealthy because they have a lot of sugar.
![Fruit bowl](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Fruit-bowl.png)
An apple, banana or pear are each 1 portion each.
![Breakfast cereal (1)](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Breakfast-cereal-1.png)
A spoonful of dried fruit is 1 portion. Try it with your cereal.
![Salad (1)](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Salad-1.png)
Try a salad with your lunch or peas and carrots with dinner.
Starchy Carbohydrates
![Picture9](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Picture9.png)
Your meals should be based on starchy food.
Your body gets a lot of energy from starchy food.
![Toast](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Toast.png)
Try to choose brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and wholemeal bread.
![Vitamins](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Vitamins.png)
They have more fibre, and usually more vitamins and minerals.
![Potato jacket](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Potato-jacket.png)
Potatoes with the skins on have a lot of fibre and vitamins.
When having boiled potatoes or a jacket potato, eat the skin too.
Proteins
![Picture10](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Picture10.png)
Protein builds muscle to help your body move and helps your body repair itself.
![Chicken raw (1)](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Chicken-raw-1.png)
Choose skinless and lean meat to help cut down on fat.
![eggfish](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/eggfish.png)
Eggs and fish are full of protein.
Oily fish are really good for you. Try to eat fish twice a week.
![Beans baked (1)](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Beans-baked-1.png)
Beans, peas and lentils, are low in fat and are full of fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals.
![Nuts (1)](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Nuts-1.png)
Nuts are high in fibre, but also have lots of fat so don’t eat too many.
Dairy (and alternatives)
![Picture11](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Picture11.png)
Milk and dairy foods, like cheese and yoghurt, have calcium in them.
Calcium helps keep bones healthy.
![Soya milk (1)](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Soya-milk-1.png)
Plant milks are in this food group.
Try to choose unsweetened, calcium-fortified versions.
Oils and Spreads
![Butter](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Butter.png)
Choose spreads and oils, like olive oil to get the fat you need in your diet.
![Vitamins](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Vitamins.png)
You need to eat a little bit of fat to help absorb vitamins from food.
Spreads and oils are high in calories so you only need to use a little bit.
Healthy Choices
![Food Unhealthy (1)](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Food-Unhealthy-1.png)
Unhealthy food tastes nice but is bad for you if you eat too much!
![Heart 2](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Heart-2.png)
Too much fat and salt can make your heart unhealthy.
![Teeth](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Teeth.png)
Too much sugary food and drink is bad for your teeth and can make you gain weight.
![Healthy 3](https://www.yourvoiceadvocacy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Healthy-3.png)
Making healthy choices about food will help you stay healthy and feel better!