The Eatwell Guide explained
The Eatwell Guide has now replaced the eatwell plate as the primary consumer facing tool to show the types and proportions of foods needed for a healthy diet. The proportions of each food group have been updated to take into account the new dietary recommendations to increase fibre intake and decrease the intake of free sugars.
Although some of the sections of the plate have changed, the general principles are still the same. A healthy diet should contain:
· Plenty of fruit and vegetables
· Plenty of plain starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice and pasta, particularly wholegrain varieties
· Some dairy and alternatives
· Some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins.
· A small amount of unsaturated oils and spreads.
If consuming foods and drinks high in fat, salt and sugar have these less often and in smaller amounts. These types of foods and drinks now sit outside the Eatwell Guide as they are not needed as part of a healthy diet.
The Eatwell Guide also provides useful information on hydration (6-8 glasses of fluid/day), calorie guidelines and front of pack nutrition labeling. More information on the Eatwell Guide can be found at: foodstandards.gov.scot/the-eatwell-guide