Proteins
Proteins help our bodies to build and repair muscle. They are found in foods such as fish, meat, nuts, seeds, eggs and cheese. Fifteen per cent of our diet should be protein.
Fats
They are found in oils, dairy products, nuts and fish, and should amount to 25 per cent of our diet.
Vitamins/Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish and milk.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, such as pasta, cereal and potatoes, provide quick energy. Sixty per cent of our diet should comprise of ‘carbs’.
Protein is ...
a class of nitrogenous organic compounds which have large molecules composed of one or more long chains of amino acids and are an essential part of all living organisms, especially as structural components of body tissues such as muscle, hair, etc., and as enzymes and antibodies.
Fat ...
gives our bodies energy that can be stored and provide a fat layer under our skin to keep us warm.
Vitamins ...
and minerals are considered essential nutrients because they perform hundreds of roles in the body. They help heal wounds, build strong bones and teeth, and contribute to healthy brain function. They also help support a strong immune system, and help convert food into energy and repair cellular damage.
Carbohydrates ...
can be any of a large group of organic compounds occurring in foods and living tissues, and include sugars, starch, and cellulose. They contain hydrogen and oxygen in the same ratio as water (2:1) and typically can be broken down to release energy in the body.