The Eatwell Plate shows the different types of food we need to eat - and in what proportions - to have a well balanced and healthy diet. 

Click here to download a guide to the Eatwell Plate.

So take a look at what you eat during the day (including any snacks) and try
to eat:

• plenty of fruit and vegetables

• plenty of bread, rice, potatoes,
  pasta and other starchy foods -
  choose wholegrain varieties
  when you can

• some milk and dairy foods

• some meat, fish, eggs, beans
  and other non-dairy sources
  of protein

• just a small amount of foods and
  drinks high in fat and/or sugar
  

It's a good idea to try to get thisbalance right every day, but you don't need to do it at every meal. And you might find it easier to get the balance right over a longer period, say a week.

When should I use the eatwell plate?

You can use the eatwell plate to help you make healthier choices whenever you're: at home deciding what to eat, what to cook or what to shop for out shopping - aim to fill your trolley with a healthy balance of different types of food eating out in a restaurant, café or work canteen, or when you're choosing food ‘on the run' - follow the eatwell plate to help you choose a healthy balance.

Change 4 life - tips on making healthy changes just 4 me.

Link to the NHS Choices Online Shopping Tool that allows you to make:

• 1 week meal planner
• encourages you to meet your 5-a-day
• gives you ideas on breakfast, lunch, evening meals and snacks
• includes light bites, budget meals
• at the end you can print off your planner, print out recipes from your selection, and print off your week's shopping list
• you can make the plan for the whole family, including children