By Keith Mario Schembri Healthy eating By Keith Mario Schembri

The food pyramid is a guide to healthy eating.

CARBOHYDRATES Carbohydrates are important because they give us energy, especially to athletes and sportsmen . Examples of carbohydrates are bread , rice, pasta, noodles and cereal. They are important but should be eaten in moderation.

Vegetables Vegetables have to be eaten every day because they help us to fight many diseases.They have different vitamins and minerals depending on their colour. That’s why it is important to have a variety of vegetables.

Fruit Fruit should be an important part of our daily diet. They contain vitamins and minerals, and plant chemicals called phytochemicals. They help to protect the body against some diseases. Fruit are like vegetables but have to be eaten less than vegetables because they has some natural sugars. They are nutritious and delicious.

Proteins Protein builds the tissues in our body; the stuff our body's made up of. Our muscles, our organs, and our immune system are made up mostly of protein. Our body uses protein to make hemoglobin , the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen to every part of your body. Many foods contain protein but the best sources are beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, and legumes like black beans and lentils.

Dairy  Dairy products are usually high energy food products. They are a source of calcium which is good for the bones. Dairy products can cause health issues to people who have lactose intolerance or a milk allergy. Dairy products including cheese, ice cream, milk, butter, and yoghurt can contribute significant amounts of cholesterol and saturated fat to the diet. We should eat 3 portions a day.

Omega 3 foods When it comes to fat, there is one type you don’t want to cut back on: omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is found in fish and nuts. If you eat omega-3 you will have healthier brain function.

Fats , oils and sugar. Fats , oils and sugar are the least healthy foods. They give us calories , cholesterol and make us obese. But you can eat some once in a while.

If we eat a balanced diet and do some exercise everyday , we get a good chance to live a fit and healthy life.