A well-balanced, healthy diet includes eating and drinking the right foods for optimal nutrition and energy for your body's cells and tissues, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. A balanced diet should contain foods from all food groups and stay within your calorie needs. Eating a balanced diet can help supply you with the right nutrients for proper development and help you reduce your risk for some chronic diseases.
Components
The Harvard School of Public Health reports that a healthy, well-balanced diet should include plenty of fruit and vegetables, along with whole-grain foods such as brown rice, oatmeal and whole wheat bread. It also reports that healthy sources of protein and heart-healthy fats are important components of a balanced diet. Staying within your calorie needs, even while eating healthy foods, is also an important part of a balanced diet to help you avoid weight gain.
Optimal Nutrition
Following science-based nutrition recommendations can help you provide your body with the right nutrients it needs to function properly. For example, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables can provide you with important vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A and C, and the mineral potassium. "Good" carbohydrates such as whole grains can help you get additional vitamins, minerals and fiber and can also have a healthy effect on your digestive system. Eating a balanced diet can help you get enough of all the essential nutrients you need.
Lower Disease Risk
As you eat a healthy, well-balanced diet and provide your body with the energy and nutrients it needs, you can better control your weight and lower your risk for many chronic diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, reports that being overweight or obese can increase your risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, osteoarthritis and stroke. Not only does a balanced diet help you control your weight, but the nutrients in healthy foods also reduce your risk for many of these diseases and conditions.
Recommendations
Although the types of healthy food you need for a balanced diet remain the same for everyone, how much of them you need depends on different factors. The "MyPyramid" program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture can provide you with an estimate of your daily calorie needs based on your age, gender, height, weight and physical activity habits. The "MyPyramid" program can also be a guide for how much of each food group you need based on your calorie needs.
Considerations
Some conditions require a special diet as part of treatment or to relieve symptoms. If you have a condition that requires a special diet, follow your doctor's instructions to avoid any complications that may arise by changing your diet. Also, visiting with a registered dietitian can help you put together a balanced diet plan that meets your specific needs and helps you reach your nutrition goals.
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