A healthy diet is important for any individual at any age. When you prepare food for yourself and for others, you must take care to ensure that the food is clean, and safe from contamination. It is essential that hot food and cold food are maintained at safe temperatures. Ensuring that people whom you care for are offered good nutrition in what they eat and drink is an important job. Learn more about major nutrients and why these are essential to a healthy, well-balanced diet. As a care provider, you will use your knowledge to help the people you care for enjoy good food. Mealtime is an important time for showing that you care.