A balanced diet consists of eating foods from all food groups. "Balanced Eating Made Easy with the Food Balance Wheel" is a book written by Art Dragon that is designed to simplify the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Guide Pyramid. Each food group contains various vitamins and minerals that help keep your body healthy.
Foods for Energy
The intention of the food wheel book is to provide a more visual treatment of the foods that you're supposed to eat daily, according to Reachinformation.com. The guidelines follow the Food Guide Pyramid but use a wheel instead of pyramid. According to the USDA, grains are used as the main source of energy for your body. The agency recommends you eat five to seven servings of grains daily. Half of all the grains you eat should be from whole grains. Grains are high in dietary fiber, B vitamins and certain minerals such as magnesium.
Fruits and Vegetables
You should eat two to three cups of fruit a day and four to five cups of vegetables a day for optimal health, according to the USDA. Fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of dietary fiber and help regulate your bowels. Eating the recommended amount of vegetables and fruits a day can help prevent certain cancers and diseases. Vegetables and fruits are good sources of vitamins A, C and E.
Meats and Dairy Products
Eat between 6 and 8 oz. of meat a day and consume around 3 cups of dairy products a day. The meat group includes foods such as lean red meat, poultry, fish and beans. Meats provide proteins that help rebuild your bones, muscles and most body cells. Dairy and milk products provide significant amounts of calcium and vitamin D, which helps to build and maintain strong bones and teeth.
Benefits of a Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet helps you get all the vitamins and minerals you need on a daily basis. Eating a balanced diet helps to prevent certain diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, according to Helpguide.org. Eating a balanced diet also helps to fight against obesity and premature aging.
Considerations
Contact your doctor or health care worker to help you set up a meal plan for a balanced diet. Watch your portion sizes. Eating too much of even healthful foods can cause weight gain, according to Helpguide.org. Eat breakfast and meals throughout the day to help keep your metabolism moving all day. Eating smaller meals throughout the day can help you lose weight.
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