A balanced diet consists of all food groups and does not require elimination of any food group. A diet that is balanced will meet most peoples nutritional requirements and prevent nutritional deficiencies. With so many mixed messages in the public domain from marketing companies, food manufacturers  , various diet companies  along with  the special offers on foods available in supermarkets its is easy to get confused on what is a balanced diet and which foods are suitable for a healthy diet. The Eatwell plate is a general guide on how the different food groups come together to form a balanced diet. Individual plans and portion sizes of these food groups can be developed for individuals based on health conditions, medications  and personal circumstances.