What is balanced diet?

A balanced diet is a diet that provides a person with the right amount of nutrients that his/her body needs. Such diet along with mild physical activity is a sure shot formula to stay fit and healthy. Having a balanced diet is a prerequisite to maintaining healthy weight and preventing lifestyle disorders, such as heart problems, obesity and diabetes. A balanced diet plan is designed as per the Vegetarian Food Pyramid. A balanced diet is healthy as it provides the right amount of essential nutrients, keeping one away from empty calories and foods that raise the  LDL ‘bad’cholestrol levels. It includes food items from the main food groups mentioned in the Food Guide Pyramid. Balanced diet works well for weight management and discourages the inclusion of fad food diets into a weight loss regime as such diets neglect the nutritional importance of certain food products. A   will be inclusive of the following:CarbohydratesCrabs are essential for our body to boost energy production. We consume carbohydrates in two major forms i.e. sugar and starch. Cereals, potatoes, rice, bread and pulses are starchy carbs. Sugar is found in vegetables, fruits, cakes, chocolates, sugary beverages and sweets.• People seeking a healthy approach to lose extra weight must cut down their intake of sugary sources of carbohydrates. Avoid excess indulgence in sweets, cakes, aerated drinks, ice creams, cookies, etc. • Starchy carbohydrate sources, such as chapattis, pasta, oats, breakfast cereals, rice, etc. should make the biggest part of your meal as they not only boost energy but also give vitamins, minerals and fibre. ProteinProtein helps in the normal growth of tissues and repair of their wear and tear. Protein is an essential body building block, which can be derived from foods, such as meat, eggs, fish, healthy dairy products, such as yoghurt, milk, etc. About 15 per cent of total calories that we gain every day come from protein intake, which should be around 40-50 grams a day. Fruits and VegetablesIt is of crucial significance to include fruits and vegetables in our daily meals. They are naturally low in fat and are good sources of fiber. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides all essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc, magnesium and foliate. Avoid Eating Fats and SugarsStay away from food products that are high on fats and sugar. Some high-fat products include butter, margarine, oil-based salad dressings, chocolate, biscuits, cake, shakes, crisps, etc. Food products with high sugar content are sweets, soft drinks, cakes, biscuits, aerated drinks, shakes, puddings, ice creams and pastries.