What Constitutes a Balanced Diet?
What constitutes a balanced diet? It's all a balancing act between making smart food choices, getting the most nutrition out of calories and staying within recommended daily calorie needs. This can be achieved by choosing from every food group as recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These food groups are grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, meat and beans, and oils.
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Identification
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A balanced diet means making smarter food choices to get the proper amounts and types of nourishment. According to the USDA, a healthy balanced diet is one that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products; includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts; and is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium) and added sugars.
Function
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A balanced diet functions to promote health and to prevent chronic diseases. Diet guidelines should be taken as a general advice and not a direct recommendation.
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History
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In 1992, the U.S. Department of Agriculture introduced the food pyramid that divided food groups horizontally. In April 19, 2005 a revised food guide pyramid, called "MyPyramid," was introduced to the public. This new guide is divided vertically and encourages the U.S. public to choose foods geared to their specific calorie needs.
This new guide also increased the food groups from five to six, with the addition of an oils group. A new category for exercise is added as well, depicted by a stick figure going up the pyramid steps.
Considerations
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A balanced diet means making smart choices about food, but it is also important to include physical activity to optimize health and fitness.
Warning
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Consumers should choose foods according to their specific needs and health conditions. Consult a physician before making significant changes to your diet.
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References
- Photo Credit USDA
