What is Balanced Diet?

A balanced diet is nothing but a diet which includes right amount of all the nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates etc. A balanced diet is required for the growth and development of a person especially the children. Each food group is abundant in certain type of nutrients. So a right mix of all nutrients in your food will ensure long and healthy life.

A balanced diet has direct relation with the health of a person. Following a balanced diet will ensure you certain things such as

• Helps to keep your body weight under control
• Keep you energetic throughout the day
• Maintaining the cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure level under control
• Helps to relax your body and mind
• Plays a major role in making your physique attractive,

Food itself is a medicine which has the potential to cure any kind of disease if consumed in a right way. Food is broadly classified into five major categories namely

Fruits

Vegetables

Milk and milk products

Meat and Fish of all kinds

Legumes and Nuts

Cereals of all kinds regardless of what form (cakes, toast, flaked or puffed cereals) they are

Each food group is rich n some kind of nutrients. One food group cannot be replaced by other as a person needs all of them for his good health.

Vegetables

Vegetables should be compulsorily present in one’s diet as it provides most of the nutrients required for a human body. Even the nutrients present in the meat and other non-vegetarian items are also available in the vegetables. More over only vegetables can provide you the fiber which is not available in other food items.

Vegetables have the ability to sustain the fluid balance of the body. They are also abundant in vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates.

Fruits

Without any doubt we can say that fruits are gift of nature which is rich in nutrients and is widely available anywhere. Fruits are naturally good source of vitamins and some minerals. Fruits have the ability to restore the water balance in your body. Just like vegetables, fruits are also good source of fiber. Similarly fruit juices can also do good to your body.

Milk and milk products

Milk is the only food which is has all the nutrients. It is a good source of calcium and taking a glass of milk everyday will meet the daily requirement of calcium. Milk is a must for children for their growth and development.

Protein is essential for the growth of body and it is abundant in milk and diary products. Milk also helps in strengthening your bones.

Meat and Fish Group

Though vegetables have all the nutrients, some of them are not abundant enough to meet the requirement of your body. In such case meats are a good alternative. Meats are good source of protein, iron, zinc and vitamins. Meat and fish group include egg, chicken, mutton and fish, crab, lobsters and shrimp.

Legumes and Nuts

Legumes and nuts are good source of carbohydrates and fats. They maintain the energy level of your body. More over they are rich in protein.