All in moderation
WHAT IS A BALANCED DIET?
People talk about eating a balanced diet, which really just means eating everything in moderation. You don't need to give any of your favorite foods up just limit those things that are not so good for you in large amounts.
Foods can be put into three groups:
Eat Most:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Legumes (peas, beans and lentils)
- Cereal
- Bread
- Rice
- Pastas
These foods are high in vitamins, minerals and fibre and are generally low in fat. They should make up the bulk of what you eat every day.
Eat Moderately:
- Meat
- Poultry
- Fish
- Nuts and seeds
- Milk products
The best sources of iron and protein come from this group. That means eating a moderate serve of fish, meat and poultry every day. Nuts and seeds are high in fibre and dairy products provide the necessary calcium that your bones need to stay strong. You should always choose reduced or low fat varieties when eating dairy products.
Consume Less:
- Margarines and butter
- Lard
- Sugar
- Oil
- Dressings
- Alcohol
Use minimal amounts of these foods in your every day eating. This includes cakes, biscuits, potato crisps, hot chips and lollies. These foods are made up of energy dense sugars and fats and should be minimised.
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