Diets that include healthy foods can still be erratic, deficient in some nutrients or excessive in calories. A truly balanced diet provides your body with a consistent supply of essential elements within the number of calories that you can burn through exercise. The amounts of carbohydrates, protein, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins must fall within a safe range that promotes rather than detracts from health. While the formula may be complex, a little practice will help you achieve a well-rounded diet.
Varied Sources
Alternating food choices balances your nutritional intake over time. With dozens of vitamins, minerals and types of protein, fats and carbohydrates needed for good health, a varied diet is a must. Different types of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy products and protein foods offer different amounts and types of nutrients. To get adequate dietary fiber, minerals and vitamins that improve digestive and cardiovascular health, the American Heart Association suggests eating a changing roster of fruits, veggies and whole grains.
Limits on Fat
In composing your menus or ordering at restaurants, making predominately low-fat choices emphasizes the more beneficial nutrient contents of the foods that you eat. For instance, choosing fish over beef gives you more potassium and vitamin D as you take in less saturated fat. Choosing beans instead of fish increases your iron and fiber intake as it cuts fat and cholesterol.
Calorie Consciousness
Food choices that minimize fat also lessen calorie counts, as does consuming foods with little added sugar. Serving reasonable portions, such as those suggested on U.S. Food and Drug Administration-required food labels, fulfills the same purpose. If you follow these guidelines on most days, you'll naturally manage your weight. Adhering to daily calorie limits makes it more likely that you will expend the calories that you consume and avoid storing the excess as body fat. The Harvard School of Public Health goes a step further by including daily exercise as part of a truly balanced diet regimen.
Regular Mealtimes
Without disciplined food selection and serving sizes, your calorie and nutritional balance can shift rapidly. You can help yourself stay on course by not skipping meals and not snacking when your body doesn't need extra energy. Recreational snacking or overeating after a missed meal can blow an otherwise stable diet. Habitual mealtimes and typical serving amounts prepare you mentally to eat in moderation, which is the final key to a well-balanced eating plan.
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