Food is important to us especially our breakfast, lunch and dinner. Food, substance consisting essentially of protein, carbohydrate, fat, and other nutrients used in the body of an organism to sustain growth and vital processes and to furnish energy. The absorption and utilization of food by the body is fundamental to nutrition and is facilitated by digestion. Plants, which convert solar energy to food by photosynthesis, are the primary food source. Animals that feed on plants often serve as sources of food for other animals. To learn more about the sequence of transfers of matter and energy in the form of food from organism to organism, see food chain. Food It gives us the energy and nutrients to grow and develop, be healthy and active, to move, work, play, think and learn. The body needs a variety of the following 5 nutrients – protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamins and minerals – from the food we eat to stay healthy and productive.

There are five food groups and these are the following

• vegetables and legumes/beans
• fruit
• lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, legumes/beans
• grain (cereal) foods, mostly wholegrain and/or high cereal fibre varieties
• milk, yoghurt, cheese and/or alternatives, mostly reduced fat.

Foods are grouped together because they provide similar amounts of key nutrients. For example, key nutrients of the milk, yoghurt, cheese and alternatives group include calcium and protein, while the fruit group is a good source of vitamins, especially vitamin C. These food groups make up the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.

Choose a variety of foods

Eating a varied, well-balanced diet means eating a variety of foods from each food groups daily, in the recommended amounts. It is also important to choose a variety of foods from within each food group because different foods provide different types and amounts of key nutrients. Choosing a variety of foods will help to make your meals interesting, so that you don’t get bored with your diet. 

Things to remember

• Eating a wide variety of healthy foods promotes good health and helps to protect against chronic disease.
• Eating a varied, well-balanced diet means eating a variety of foods from each of the five food groups daily, in the recommended amounts.
• It is also important to choose a variety of foods from within each food group.