A balanced and nutritious diet is one that includes all four food groups, in the right amounts. Each food group provides a different range of nutrients, so eating foods from all four food groups ensures that we get all the nutrients we need.
We need to eat a mixture of foods from the four food groups each day. Below are some examples of how we can include foods from each food group in everyday meals
Breakfast: wholegrain cereal topped with seasonal fruit and either milk or yoghurt. Lunch: tuna salad sandwich, and chopped fruit on the side. Dinner: beef burritos made up of tortillas, mince, beans, salad and cheese topping.
We also have an ‘extras’ group for foods that don’t fit in the categories above. These foods include biscuits, cakes, pastry, lollies, chocolate, chips and fats and oils – all foods typically high in fat and/or sugar.
Note, the number of recommended serves of each food group will depend on your age, gender, activity levels and other lifestyle factors. To learn more about the recommended number of serves browse our Healthy Eating by Lifestages area.
For more information on each of the food groups, click on the links below:
Last modified: April 4, 2022