The human body requires a variety of different nutrients to function properly. No single type of food can provide us with all the nutrients that we need - we need a range of foods in different amounts. Our bodies need some foods in larger amounts than others. This means that while no food is banned, we need to be careful about the amount we eat of each food. It's not hard to create a healthy diet that's tasty and interesting, which can help keep your heart healthy by:

• reducing your levels of bad cholesterol
• helping to control your blood pressure
• helping you to achieve a healthy weight

The Eatwell plate represents the different types of food in the proportions you should eat for a healthy, balanced diet. The foods we eat are divided into five food groups. The basic messages are:

• Enjoy a variety of different foods from each food group, including at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day
• Base meals on starchy foods such as bread, pasta, rice or potatoes. Choose whole grain varieties whenever possible
• Eat smaller amounts of meat, fish and vegetarian alternatives, choosing lower fat versions whenever possible
• Try to eat two portions of fish a week, one of which should be oily
• Swap high fat dairy foods such as full fat milk and cheese for lower fat versions
• Eat fatty and sugary foods in small amounts. Cut down on 'bad' saturated fats and replace with 'good' monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats
• Try to eat less salt
• Drink alcohol in moderation

Our healthy eating guide makes it really easy for you to create a diet that's tasty and interesting and will keep you feeling great and keep your heart healthy by: helping to reduce your levels of bad cholesterol, helping to control your blood pressure and helping you to achieve a healthy weight.

Did you know?

A pound of body fat contains 3,500 calories. So to lose a pound in a week you need to eat 500 calories less than your body needs each day (7 x 500 = 3,500) and vice versa for weight gain.