The key to eating well is to enjoy a variety of nutritious foods from each of the five food groups. Foods in the five food groups are grouped by their type and their contribution of nutrients to Australian diets. Within each group, healthy choices are those that are lowest in saturated fats, added sugars and added salt.
Choosing a variety of nutritious foods, both from the five different groups and within each group, over the week and seasonally increases the likelihood of obtaining sufficient intake of all nutrients. Eating a variety of nutritious foods can protect our bodies from chronic disease and may also increase quality of life and longevity.
Guideline 2 recommends we enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods from the five groups every day.
The Australian dietary guidelines inform people of different ages, life stages and gender, the minimum number of serves from each food group they need to eat each day, to make sure they get the full amount of nutrients their body needs.
Guideline 3 recommends we limit intake of foods containing saturated fat, added salt, added sugars and alcohol.
Some foods and drinks do not fit into the five food groups because they are not necessary for a healthy diet and are too high in saturated fat and/or added sugars, added salt or alcohol and low in fibre. These ‘optional’ foods and drinks are referred to as ‘discretionary choices’.
An explanation of important terms used throughout this website. Includes kilojoule, energy (kilojoule) balance, processed foods and fibre.
