Eating well is important for all of us. In the short-term, it can help us to feel good, look our best and stay at a healthy weight. And in the long-term, a healthy, balanced diet can reduce our risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers. But what exactly is a healthy, balanced diet?
In simple terms, to eat a balanced diet you need to combine several different types of foods - from each of the main food groups - in the right amounts so your body gets all the nutrients it needs while maintaining a healthy weight. This means you should eat:
Plenty of bread, rice potatoes, pasta and other starchy foods
Plenty of fruit and vegetables
Some milk, cheese and yoghurt
Some meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non-dairy sources of protein, and
Just a small amount of foods and drinks high in fat and/or sugar
3-Week Menu Plan – A Resource for Pre-schools
Pre-schools nationwide can benefit from an innovative three-week menu planning resource designed to ensure that pre-schoolers receive all their daily nutritional requirements. Piloted in seven pre-schools based in South Dublin and Kildare, the resource was developed by the HSE’s Community Nutrition and Dietetic Team in Tallaght in consultation with pre-school officers, environmental health professionals and pre-school providers. The menu plan was devised as a practical tool to support pre-school services to implement the recommendations of the National Food and Nutrition Guidelines for Pre-school Services published by the Department of Health and Children in 2004.
You can find out more and download the menu plan here.