Lifespan's A - Z Health Information Library

A balanced diet refers to intake of appropriate types and adequate amounts of foods and drinks to supply nutrition and energy for the maintenance of body cells, tissues, and organs, and to support normal growth and development.

A well-balanced diet acts to provide sources of energy and nutrition for optimal growth and development.

Milk group (milk and milk products)

• milk, cheese, yogurt

• meat: chicken, fish, beef, pork, lamb
• legumes: beans and peas
• nuts and seeds

• fruits
• vegetables

• whole grain breads
• enriched breads
• rice
• pasta

An unbalanced diet can cause problems with maintenance of body tissues, growth and development, brain and nervous system function, as well as problems with bone and muscle systems.

The term "balanced" simply means that a diet adequately meets your nutritional needs while not providing any nutrients in excess. 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)

General Guidelines

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

The most important step to eating a balanced diet is to educate yourself about what your body needs, and read the nutrition label and ingredients of all the food you eat.

New dietary guidelines set forth by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA), recommend fewer calories and smarter food choices.

Some of the key recommendations:

• Follow a balanced diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, salt, and alcohol, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Eating Plan.
• Balance your calorie intake with exercise. Slowly decrease your caloric intake while increasing exercise to prevent gradual weight gain over time. Exercise regularly and reduce sedentary activities.
• Two cups of fruit and 2½ cups of vegetables per day are recommended for people following an average 2,000-calorie per day diet.
• Three or more ounces of whole-grain products are recommended per day.
• Three cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or milk products should be included.
• Fewer than 10% of calories should come from saturated fatty acids. 
• Trans fatty acids should be avoided.
• Cholesterol intake should be less than 300 mg/day.
• Total fat intake should not exceed 20-35% of calories. Choose "good" fats  such as  fish, nuts, and vegetable oils containing polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Lean, low-fat, or fat-free meats, poultry, dry beans, and milk or milk products are preferable. Total fat intake can approach 35% if the majority of fats are "good" fats.
• Stay away from added sugars. 
• Consume less than 2,300 mg (approximately one teaspoon of salt) of sodium daily, and limit salt added in food preparation.
• Do not consumer more than one alcoholic drink per day for women, two per day for men.  Certain individuals should abstain from alcohol completely.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005. Rockville, MD: US Dept of Health and Human Services and US Dept of Agriculture; 2005.