A balanced diet is a way of eating that provides your body with all the necessary nutrients it needs to function properly. A balanced diet includes a variety of foods from all the major food groups, in appropriate proportions.
Here are the major food groups and the types of foods they contain:
- Fruits and vegetables: These provide important vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Aim for a variety of colors and types to get the most benefit.
- Grains: Whole grains provide fiber and nutrients, while refined grains are often stripped of these important components. Aim for whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread.
- Protein: Choose lean sources of protein like chicken, fish, tofu, beans, and nuts.
- Dairy: Low-fat or fat-free dairy products provide calcium, vitamin D, and other important nutrients.
- Fats: Healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil can help protect your heart and support overall health.
A balanced diet doesn’t mean you need to eat perfectly every day or avoid all treats. Rather, it’s about getting a wide variety of foods and making sure you’re meeting your body’s nutrient needs.
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