A balanced diet is when a person eats a variety of foods and drinks that will provide them with the correct amount of nutrients their body needs. When eaten in the correct proportion a balanced diet provides the individual with the correct amount of energy for growth and activities so reducing the risk of diet related illnesses such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, bowel disorders and tooth decay.

• A balanced and varied diet will include 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day. Fruit and veg contain vitamins A, C and E that are known antioxidant vitamins therefore an adequate intake of fruit and veg can help reduce the risk of certain cancers. 

• A balanced diet will include insoluble dietary fibre which acts like a brush and sweeps out the digestive tract therefore reducing the risk of constipation now and bowel disorders later in life. 

• A balanced diet will include total complex carbohydrates which provide slow release energy and keep you feeling fuller for longer so reducing the likelihood of an individual snacking on high fat or sugar products and reducing the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and tooth decay. 

• A balanced diet will include an adequate amount of water which is required for all body fluids as water helps remove waste from body by combining with fibre therefore this reduces risk of constipation and bowel cancers.

• A balanced diet will include a low intake of sugar therefore reducing the risk of dental caries and type 2 diabetes. 

• A balanced diet will include a low intake of fatty foods as fat which is not used for energy will be stored in the body, therefore a low intake of fat will help prevent obesity.