A person’s diet is a combination of the foods they eat. People need a variety of different kinds of food to provide the nutrients they need for good health. The main types of food are carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Carbohydrates are found mostly in plants and include starches such as potatoes, bread and pasta. They can be eaten either raw or cooked and are also found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fats come from both plant and animal sources and are found in meat, milk, dairy products and oils. People need to limit the amount of fat they eat as it can lead to high cholesterol levels which may increase their risk of heart disease and stroke.

A healthy diet should contain mostly unprocessed foods. These foods contain more fibre and vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (plant chemicals) than processed food. Eating more of these foods can help you lose weight or maintain your weight by keeping you full for longer. It can also help reduce the amount of calories you eat. Choosing lower calorie options of your favourite foods can help you to save hundreds of calories each day. Try eating a bowl of cereal with reduced-fat milk or coconut yogurt instead of a croissant, for example. Limiting foods with added sugars can also help you lose weight and improve your health. This includes cakes, cookies and sugar-sweetened drinks. If you do choose to eat these foods, limiting them and making sure they are eaten less often can help. Kost