Balanced diet

Alternative names:

well-balanced diet

Recommendations:

The term "balanced" simply means that a diet adequately meets your nutritional needs while not providing any nutrients in excess. A balanced diet provides optimal protein and complex carbohydrate while containing only moderate amounts of sodium, fats, and simple sugars. To achieve a balanced diet, you must consume a variety of foods from each of the food groups.

There are several guidelines available to help a person plan their balanced diet. They include:

• The Food Guide Pyramid
• The U.S. Dietary Guidelines (RDA guidelines)

RDA guidelines include:

• eat at least 3 meals each day
• do not skip breakfast
• eat foods from each of the Four Food Groups at every meal