Eating well is important for all of us. In the short-term, it can help us to feel good, look our best and stay at a healthy weight. And in the long-term, a healthy, balanced diet can reduce our risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers.  But what exactly is a healthy, balanced diet?

In simple terms, to eat a balanced diet you need to combine several different types of foods - from each of the main food groups - in the right amounts so your body gets all the nutrients it needs while maintaining a healthy weight.  This means you should eat:

Plenty of bread, rice potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods
Plenty of fruit and vegetables
Some milk, cheese and yoghurt
Some meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein, and
Just a small amount of foods and drinks high in fat and/or sugar

Separate dietary guidelines are used in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.  These guidelines use different visuals: in the Republic of Ireland the Food Pyramid is used and in Northern Ireland the Eat Well plate is used.  
 

More about the Food Pyramid and nutritional recommendations in the Republic of Ireland

http://www.safefood.eu/Consumer/Healthy-Living/Eating-Well/What-is-a-balanced-diet-/The-Food-Pyramid.aspx

More about "The Eatwell Plate" and nutritional recommendations in Northern Ireland