Eating a balanced diet can make you feel healthier and happier.

The foods we eat should provide us with the essential nutrients that we need day to day. Our modern diet has been linked to a number of health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity, yet making a few dietary changes can make a massive difference in your health and well-being.

A balanced diet should contain a variety of foods, including carbohydrates (starchy food) like rice, pasta, bread and cereals; at least five portions of fruit and vegetables; protein foods like meat, eggs, fish, beans or pulses; and dairy foods like milk and cheese. Food and drinks containing fats and sugars should be eaten only occasionally.

To ensure that you and your family are healthy and happy, look at the '8 tips for eating well' and the NHS Choices website. Also, don't forget to consider your activity levels.

Supermarkets offer us many choices which can be confusing when shopping, and with people working longer hours, sometimes ready meals and fast foods seem the quickest and easiest option. It's ok to eat these occasionally, but as they are often high in fats, sugars and salt, we should be careful not to have them on a regular basis.

Although we need to eat to live, it is also important to enjoy food. Eating and cooking have always been at the heart of the home and social life and should be enjoyed. It's not necessary to stop eating your usual foods, just think about making some healthier choices concerning cooking methods or portion sizes.