The Balanced Diet

A huge factor in preventing or managing diabetes is eating healthily and lowering the glycemic index of your meals.

You can also avoid infection and recover faster by having a balanced diet. If you have an injury, you must increase protein in your meals and have appropriate portions of fruits that help heal wounds and boost your immune system.

This diagram is based on the Eatwell Guide by the National Health Service in the UK. It shows how much of what we eat overall should come from each food group to achieve a healthy, balanced diet.

• Eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables a day

• Base meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates

• Have some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soya drinks and yogurt)

• Eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other protein

• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads, and eat in small amounts

This awareness campaign is brought to you by the Coruña Foot and Ankle Institute (CFAI). Seek medical advice only from qualified healthcare professionals. This material is strictly for educational purposes only. CFAI is managed by an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon in the Philippines based in Bacolod City.