A balanced diet is obtained by varying the diet to provide the body with the energy and nutrients it needs to function correctly. It is about eating a variety of foods in the right proportions.

Many countries have developed their own food guides or tools to help consumers build a balanced diet. They all agree that a balanced diet should be composed of:

• Fruit and vegetables
• Starchy foods (breads, cereals and potatoes) with a focus on wholegrains
• Protein-rich foods (meat, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds)
• Dairy products
• Fats: butter, oil, margarine
• Water and unsweetened drinks such as tea, coffee, infusions.

Examples are:

• ‘My plate’ in the US: https://www.choosemyplate.gov/
• ‘The Wheel of Five’ in the Netherlands: http://www.voedingscentrum.nl/Assets/Uploads/voedingscentrum/Documents/Service/English/Wheel%20of%20five.pdf
  

It is also important to keep in mind that a balanced diet needs to be accompanied by regular physical activity.