Healthy Eating A healthy balanced diet A healthy balanced diet means eating to keep you feeling well and help maintain a healthy body weight. A healthy balanced diet includes seven main classes of nutrients that the body needs: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water. the right amount of a wide variety of foods Food properties A diet based on foods with plenty of fruit and vegetables, some protein-rich foods, some milk and foods, and not too much fat, salt or sugar, will give you all the nutrients you need. starchy dairy Starchy foods such as bread, cereals, potatoes and pasta are a good . source of energy Fruit and vegetables are a vital source of and . vitamins minerals Meat, fish, eggs and legumes (including ) are all good sources of protein, which is essential for the growth and repair of the body. They are also good sources of a of vitamins and minerals. beans, nuts and seeds range Milk and dairy foods, such as cheese and yoghurt, are good sources of protein. They also contain , which helps to keep healthy bones. and are both sources of energy for the body. can raise blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. , on the other hand, can help to cholesterol and provide us with the essential fatty acids needed to help us stay healthy. calcium Fats sugar Saturated fat 1 Unsaturated fats 2 lower WARM UP Do you think you have a balanced diet? What's your favourite food? MORE Saturated fats are considered unhealthy. These fats are most often solid at room temperature. 1 Unsaturated fats, which are liquid at room temperature, are considered beneficial fats. 2