There are six basic food groups. A healthy and balanced diet involves regularly eating the foods from these six groups in the right proportion. You need not eat exactly the right amount everyday - some days you may have more indulgent foods, others you may eat more veggies - but over a week, you should aim to be getting the balance about right.

Since no single food or drink can provide all the nutrients we need, we should be eating a varied diet that includes all of the food groups - even some fat is important for us! The next few pages will tell you what you need to know about each group.

Our recipes section will give you some great ideas for balanced meals.