When thinking about the characteristics that make up a healthy diet, it's important to realize that no single way of eating seems to emerge as clearly superior to all others. There are dozens of healthy diet plans, and all have nutritional benefits and distinct advantages. However, there are a few factors that most of the healthiest plans have in common.
Nutrition
Almost every healthy diet is designed to meet nutritional guidelines and provide recommended daily amounts of vitamins and minerals. The Mayo Clinic suggests that healthy adults try to get about 55 percent of their daily calories from carbohydrates, especially complex carbohydrates and whole grains; about 20 percent from protein, particularly low-fat foods; and about 25 percent from fat, with a focus on nutritious sources such as plant-based oils and nuts. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic recommends that women eat about 23g of fiber per day and men about 34g.
Whole Foods
Most healthy diets embrace some degree of flexibility and allow wiggle room for processed foods or high-fat, high-calorie items. However, whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables form the base of a truly healthy diet, according to HelpGuide.org. Whole foods tend to be more nutritious and lower in calories, fat and sugar than processed and prepared items, and they may play a role in improving mood, boosting energy and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Balance
Some healthy eating plans are skewed toward one type of food or food group, but many of the most effective feature balance as a primary tenet. Balance means eating a variety of nutritious items from all food groups. Plan menus that include several daily servings of each group in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's food pyramid--lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, grains and low-fat or nonfat dairy items.
Limitations
As substances such as saturated fat, trans fat, sodium, cholesterol and sugar have noted health risks, the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus recommends limiting them as part of a healthy eating plan. Consider substitutes such as olive oil and natural sweeteners such as honey, agave nectar or brown rice syrup, which are less refined and may offer more health benefits.
Considerations
All qualifications for a healthy diet may not be achievable for some people, so it's important to choose a plan that is customized to your lifestyle and preferences, according to the Mayo Clinic. Design a diet that conforms to your schedule and budget, but pick the healthiest items possible and work toward making daily or weekly adjustments to the way you eat that will start you on a track to better health.
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