1A balanced diet gives your body everything it needs to grow, repair itself, and stay healthy.
2Nutritionists often divide food into groups such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
3Carbohydrates from bread, rice, and potatoes provide the energy we use throughout the day.
4Protein, which is found in meat, eggs, and beans, helps our muscles recover after exercise.
5Although many people avoid fats completely, our bodies actually need small amounts of healthy fat.
6Fruit and vegetables supply vitamins that protect us from illness and keep our skin healthy.
7Eating a wide variety of foods is usually better than taking vitamin pills every day.
8Scientists also warn that too much sugar and salt can damage the heart over time.
9A simple rule is to fill half your plate with vegetables at every meal.
10If you eat well most of the time, an occasional treat will do no harm.