THE EATWELL GUIDE

Putting it into practice

Healthy eating is about consuming the right amount of food for your energy needs and the right balance of foods to make sure your body gets all the nutrients it needs. The UK Government’s ‘Eatwell Guide’ shows the different types of foods and drinks needed for a healthy and balanced diet, and in what proportions. It is designed for most people (except children under the age of two who have different nutritional needs) – whether you’re a healthy weight or overweight – and whatever your diet! Children aged two to five should gradually move to eating the proportions outlined in the Eatwell Guide (43).

The Eatwell Guide divides foods and drinks into five main groups. Try to choose a variety of different foods from each of the groups to help get the wide range of nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. To take a closer look at how the ‘Eatwell Guide’ can help, please click here to download the pdf or head to NHS Choices to view the interactive guide.

The amount of food (i.e. portion size) you need varies depending on a range of factors including age, sex and body size and the amount of physical activity you do.  Please remember that your doctor or a registered dietitian can advise you on the best diet for your individual needs. Further information on portion sizes can be found here.

In February 2020, the Vegan Society published its adaption of the Eatwell Guide, including tips on balancing food groups and using fortified foods and supplementation which can be viewed here.