Our lives depends on our food. It can keep us healthy, and very often, it kills us. In order to ensure a healthy diet, all aspects of food management must be handled with care including:

• Where we source our food from

• Our preparation and cooking methods

• The quantity and manner of consumption

• Storage

• Disposal of waste

Inappropriate behaviour or practices during any of the above stages is likely to lead to poor health. Many diseases and conditions are as a result of poor eating habits, including blindness, anaemia, obesity, heart attacks, diabetes, preterm birth and stillbirths.

Although food is infinitely diverse, these 5 groups stand out to form the basis of balanced diets worldwide:

1. Fruits

2. Carbohydrate/Starch

3. Protein

4. Oil

5. Water

In addition, small quantities of Vitamins and Minerals are essential for good health (micronutrients)​. Fibers are also necessary for digestion and they come mainly from fruits, vegetables and Carbohydrate intake. 

Each food item will usually contain many of the categories to different degrees and there are no specific prescriptions for how each of us should eat. However, we are likely to remain healthy if we eat a wide variety, eat well and in the right quantities. If you have been told that you need a special dietary need, discuss with your doctor or dietitian for ongoing advice.