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Balanced diet
Definition:
Intake of appropriate types and adequate amounts of foods and drinks to supply nutrition and energy for maintenance of body cells, tissues, and organs, and to support normal growth and development.
Alternative Names:
Well-balanced diet
Function:
A well-balanced diet acts to provide sources of energy and nutrition for optimal growth and development.
Food Sources:
Milk group (milk and milk products)
  • milk, cheese, yogurt
Meat group (meat and meat substitutes)
  • meat: chicken, fish, beef, pork, lamb
  • legumes: beans and peas
  • nuts and seeds
Fruit and vegetable group
  • fruits
  • vegetables
Grain group (breads and cereals)
  • whole grain breads
  • enriched breads
  • rice
  • pasta
Side Effects:
An unbalanced diet can cause problems with maintenance of body tissues, growth and development, brain and nervous system function, as well as problems with bone and muscle systems.
Recommendations:
The term "balanced" simply means that a diet adequately meets your nutritional needs while not providing any nutrients in excess. To achieve a balanced diet, you must consume a variety of foods from each of the food groups.

There are several guidelines available to help a person plan their balanced diet. They include: RDA guidelines include:
  • eat at least 3 meals each day
  • do not skip breakfast
  • eat foods from each of the Four Food Groups at every meal

The most important step to eating a balanced diet is to educate yourself with what your body needs, and read the nutrition label and ingredients of all the food that you eat.
Review Date: 12/2/2001
Reviewed By: Poune Saberi, M.D., M.P.H., Family Practice and Community Medicine. University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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