Carbohydrates should take up a significant portion of your plate. Potatoes, rice, beans, bread, whole grains, couscous and pasta are all good options.

At least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables each day is recommended. It's all about mixing things up to ensure you get a balanced vitamin and mineral intake on a daily basis.

Protein is required by the body for growth and repair. Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and dairy products are high-quality proteins (those that are more easily absorbed by the body).

Fats and sweets are at the apex of the healthy eating pyramid. These are non-essential nutrients in a diet, therefore they should be consumed only in small amounts.