Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is the most basic element of eating well. Despite the popularity of some low-carbohydrate diets, the consumption of a balanced diet remains the single best way for people to ensure healthy living. The key to a balanced diet is to not eat too much of one type of food, which helps the body take in all the necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins and nutrients. A balanced diet also has adequate amounts of carbohydrates which provide quality energy for rigorous exercise.

Is your diet balanced?

Many people think they have a balanced diet, but in fact they may not. The best way to check whether you're eating a balanced diet is to check the food pyramid. Approved by the United States Department of Agriculture, the food pyramid recommends that more than half of your daily food intake should consist of grains, fruits and vegetables. The remainder of your diet should come mostly from dairy products such as milk; the remaining small amount should be from oils, meats and beans. Like other diet plans, people who stick to a balanced diet should avoid foods heavy in sodium, preservatives and unhealthy saturated fats.

Are balanced diets outdated?

The recent popularity of low-carb diets such as the Atkins and South Beach diets seem to fly in the face of eating a balanced diet. Those diet plans teach us that Americans are addicted to carbohydrates because they cause the body to crave more sugar. Meanwhile, the food pyramid tells us to consume large amounts of carbohydrates in our diets. You can't have it both ways, so which one is right?

The thing to remember is that all people are different. Some people may react better when combining exercise with a balanced diet heavier on carbohydrates. Meanwhile, others may lose more weight when cutting out carbs and following the rules of the Atkins or South Beach diets. If you're trying to lose weight, the most important thing you can do is to eliminate foods that are universally bad regardless of your diet plan. Beyond that, your best bet is to try out different diets and see how your body reacts. Stay disciplined and don't stray from your plan. Stick with whatever works best for you.