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How do I Choose a Balanced Diet Plan?

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

A balanced diet plan requires a variety of foods, not just the repetition of healthy foods. A great way to maintain a balanced diet plan is to try to make each meal consist of equal parts of grain, protein or dairy, and vegetables or fruit. Fats and sugars should be used very sparingly. Doing this and also making sure that meals do not become repetitive is a great way to follow a balanced diet plan.

A balanced diet plan is a great way to maintain one's health and a healthy weight. This kind of diet plan is used for overall wellness. Although it can help someone who is overweight to lose weight, a balanced diet plan is not usually considered to be a weight-loss diet. This kind of diet plan can be followed by someone who is trying to lose weight gradually and then maintain a reduced weight.

Salmon is a very healthy meal.
Salmon is a very healthy meal.

In order to choose the best diet plan, it is important to consider any dietary restrictions one might have. Also, consult a trusted medical professional for tips and information. Finally, round out the plan with preferred foods so that it is easier to follow.

In order to maintain a balanced diet plan, many people follow the food pyramid, which is a graphic representation of the kinds of foods that one should consume and in what quantities. On the food pyramid, fats are at the very tip, representing only a very small portion of the diet plan. At the base of the pyramid is a category for grains and grain-based foods. Some people try to stick to this system for a balanced diet plan. Others believe that the food pyramid overemphasizes grains and should include more lean proteins and vegetables.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are often part of a balanced diet plan.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are often part of a balanced diet plan.

An important part of a balanced diet plan is that it includes many kinds of foods, not just foods from the different food groups. Here, for example, is a balanced diet for one day. For breakfast, have two scrambled eggs, a small glass of orange juice, and one slice of toast. For lunch, have a turkey burger with a side salad. For dinner, have grilled salmon with asparagus and a small baked potato. Have up to two snacks during the day, one consisting of a banana and the other consisting of a third of a chocolate bar. Although this is a great example of a day that follows a balanced diet plan, it should not be repeated three times a week.

Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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Diane Goettel
Diane Goettel

In addition to her work as a freelance writer for WiseGEEK, Diane is the executive editor of Black Lawrence Press, an independent publishing company based in upstate New York. She has also edited several anthologies, the e-newsletter Sapling, and The Adirondack Review. Diane has a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.A. from Brooklyn College.

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    • Salmon is a very healthy meal.
      By: dulsita
      Salmon is a very healthy meal.
    • Fresh fruits and vegetables are often part of a balanced diet plan.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Fresh fruits and vegetables are often part of a balanced diet plan.
    • A variety of foods containing carbohydrates, protein, and fats make up a balanced diet.
      By: Eugenio Chelli
      A variety of foods containing carbohydrates, protein, and fats make up a balanced diet.
    • Any well-balanced diet plan should include several servings of fiber-rich grains and fresh fruits daily.
      By: kentoh
      Any well-balanced diet plan should include several servings of fiber-rich grains and fresh fruits daily.
    • Eating a turkey burger for lunch instead of a regular hamburger can help you create a more balanced diet.
      By: Jasmin Merdan
      Eating a turkey burger for lunch instead of a regular hamburger can help you create a more balanced diet.
    • A glass of orange juice can be part of your breakfast during a balanced diet.
      By: sommai
      A glass of orange juice can be part of your breakfast during a balanced diet.