We have all been told to eat a balanced diet yet many of us are unclear as to what exactly a balanced diet is. In reality there are several characteristics to a diet that make it balanced.

First of all, a balanced diet provides you with a variety of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, fiber, fluids and macronutrients such as carbohydrate, protein and fat. It is not excessive or deficient in any one nutrient category.

Secondly, a balanced diet provides enough nutrients to maintain health without contributing to weight loss or gain. In other words, if a diet is balanced it should result in a stable and healthy weight.

So how does one eat to ensure a balanced intake. Follow the food guide pyramid. Make sure that the majority of your daily intake comes from whole grain breads, cereals and other starches which are a major source of energy, fiber as well as B vitamins and select minerals such as iron. It is recommended that you eat 6 to 9 servings from this food group daily.

Next, be sure to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Fruits and vegetables provide several important vitamins as well as necessary fiber, fluid, electrolytes and phytochemicals. To enhance intake of all the beneficial nutrients in fruits and vegetables, it is best to eat by the rainbow and select fruits and vegetables of all colors.

The next food group you need to include in your daily meal plan is milk and dairy products. These foods are rich in calcium, vitamin D and vitamin A. Eating adequate dairy products, 2 servings daily, will help promote optimal bone health as well as muscle and nerve function. Remember, when selecting dairy products, that it is best to choose low fat varieties.

Meat and protein foods such as fish, chicken, beef, pork and beans are the next food group of importance. Eating two servings of food from this group daily will ensure adequate protein and mineral intake.

The remainder of your daily intake in terms of total calories can come from either more portions of all of these food groups or additional sweets and fats. Additional sweets and fats are not a problem if you exercise regularly, do not over indulge and maintain a healthy weight.

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