A healthy diet regimen provides all the essential nutrients you need for your body to function normally. Consuming the proper balance of nutrition -- as recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture -- from fruits, vegetables, grains, protein-rich foods and calcium-rich foods provides all the nutrition you need. The type of healthy diet you should choose is based on your value system and health needs. Talk to your health professional before making any sweeping changes to your daily diet plan.
Vegetarian Diet
Following a vegetarian dietary regimen may help lower your risk of obesity, coronary heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, according to information provided by the American Heart Association. A basic vegetarian diet excludes meat and is known as an ovo-lacto vegetarian diet. A vegan diet is stricter than a basic vegetarian diet and excludes foods containing milk, eggs and other animal products like honey. The AHA reports a vegetarian diet provides all the essential nutrients necessary for a balanced diet. Nutrients that may become deficient in a vegetarian or vegan diet without proper meal planning include: protein, iron, vitamin B12, calcium and zinc.
DASH Diet
The acronym DASH stands for "dietary approaches to stop hypertension." This healthy diet regimen is recommended by the American Heart Association to reduce your risk of heart attack and high blood pressure. Johns Hopkins University conducted a study comparing the DASH diet to a typical American diet as well as a typical American diet plus extra servings of fruits and vegetables. The results, reported in the August 2010 issue of "HealthDay News," found the DASH diet to significantly lower the risk of heart attack in comparison to the other diets for individuals with mildly elevated blood pressure.
Balanced Diet
The U.S. Department of Agriculture prescribes eating a balanced diet for the general population over 2 years of age. This dietary regimen emphasizes the five basic food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and calcium-rich foods. Portions and servings are based on your age, weight, height and amount of physical activity you engage in each day. Along with proper portioning, the USDA recommends eating foods low in saturated fat, trans-fats, cholesterol, sodium and added sugar.
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