Future Performance Training
A healthy diet consists of a wide range of foods. To help people make healthy food choices, foods are divided into several groups.
Food from the
first four groups shown in Table 1.1.1 should
be taken at each meal or during the course of
the day. Foods that contain high levels of fat,
sugar, and salt should be kept to a minimum.
Table 1.1.1 shows the different food groups and
how these foods provide different nutritional
benefits.
| Fruit and vegetables | Contain vitamins and minerals. Fruit and vegetables are thought to be important for
overall health. They also help digestion. |
|---|---|
| Bread, pasta, rice, potatoes | Contain carbohydrates, which are important for slow-burning energy. Also, contain vitamin B and some minerals. |
| Milk and dairy foods | Contain protein, which is needed for the growth and repair of cells. Also provide some
energy as well as vitamins and calcium. Calcium is important for healthy teeth and bones |
| Meat, eggs, fish, poultry, beans and pulses | Contains protein, which is needed for the growth and repair of cells, as well as providing
some energy. They also contain important minerals. Beans and pulses also contain carbohydrates. |
| Foods high in fat, salt or sugar, e.g. chips, sweets, chocolate, ice cream | Foods high in fat, sugar, or salt but low in protein, vitamins, and minerals should be
avoided as they can cause children and adults to become overweight. While some fat, salt, and sugar are important for a healthy diet, these can be found naturally in the other food groups. |
