The two keys to a healthy balanced diet are: eating the right amount of food for how active you are, and eating a range of foods – this is what balanced means
The range of foods in your diet should include: plenty of fruit and vegetables plenty of bread, rice, potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods (choosing wholegrain varieties when possible) some milk and dairy foods some meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein just a small amount of foods high in fat and sugar
Eating well plays an important part in maintaining good health. Below are eight practical tips that cover the basics of healthy eating and can help you make healthier choices:
Base your meals on starchy foods as these give you energy.
Eat lots of fruit and vegetables every day. Eat at least five portions of a variety of fruit and veg a day. See 5 a day: what counts? for more information.
Eat more fish. Eat at least two portions of fish every week, including one portion of oily fish like mackerel or sardines. If you’re vegetarian and don’t eat fish, see five essential nutrients for vegetarians for more information on a healthy vegetarian diet.
Cut down on saturated fat and sugar. See healthy food swaps for healthier choices.
Eat less salt – no more than 6g a day for adults. For tips on how to do this, see say no to salt.
Get active and be a healthy weight. Use the healthy weight calculator to check if your weight is healthy.
Drink plenty of water,