Every week it seems as though there is a new diet promising miraculous weight loss and health. But sometimes a simple balanced diet may be the answer to your dieting questions. A balanced diet provides you with the right amount of calories, protein, vitamins and minerals to meet your needs to support a healthy weight and promote optimal health. A number of resources can help you develop your own balanced diet.
USDA MyPyramid Plan
Develop a balanced diet based on your own calorie needs, according to Medline Plus. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's online MyPyramid Plan can determine how many calories you need each day based on your current height, weight, age, sex and activity level. In addition to providing needs for your current weight, the program can also provide calorie needs to help you get to a healthier weight if you are currently above an ideal body weight.
Medline Plus says the second step for a balanced diet is to determine portions and servings from each food group. The MyPyramid Plan also determines how many servings you should eat from each food group based on your estimated calorie needs. The plan includes portion size information and nutrient-dense food choices from each group to help you meet your vitamin and mineral needs.
Dietary Guidelines For Americans Brochure
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans brochure is another resource you can use to help you develop a balanced diet. You can order the brochure online or ask your doctor for a copy. Updated every five years, the recommendations are based on the latest scientific research related to nutrition and health. The goal of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans is to promote healthy weight and prevent chronic disease. The brochure offers serving suggestions and healthy choices from each food group to help you develop your balanced diet. The serving suggestions are meant for the general population and you may need to adjust the number of servings to help you promote and maintain a healthy weight. It also provides basic nutrition information to help motivate you to make healthier food choices. In addition to providing information about diet, the Dietary Guidelines brochure also encourages physical activity to improve health.
Registered Dietitians
If you need assistance with developing a balanced diet you may consider meeting with a registered dietitian. Registered dietitians have undergone specific training to help translate the science of nutrition into practical terms you can understand and follow. A registered dietitian will develop a balanced diet based on your specific nutrient needs and food preferences. The registered dietitian will also monitor your progress and provide continued support and encouragement. You can get a referral to a registered dietitian from your doctor or contact your local hospital.
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