Which Statement Describes a Nutritionally Balanced Diet?
Which statement describes a nutritionally balanced diet is a question that has received plenty of responses from nutritionists and health experts across board.
A a nutritionally balanced diet consists chiefly of protein. It offers equal amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and fats.
It includes enough, and not excess of all essential nutrients. A a nutritionally balanced diet consists of three small meals, each totaling about the same number of calories.
What is a Balanced Diet?
A balanced diet provides your body the nutrients it needs to function correctly. To get the nutrition you desire, most of your daily calories should come from:
- fresh fruits
- fresh vegetables
- whole grains
- legumes
- nuts
- lean proteins
The Dietary Guidelines for AmericansTrusted Source explain how much of each nutrient you should take daily.
About Calories
The number of calories in a food means the amount of energy stored in that food. Your body uses calories from food for walking, thinking, breathing, and other essential functions.
An average person needs about 2,000 calories every day to maintain their weight, but the amount will depend on their age, sex, and physical activity level.
Males tend to need more calories than females, and people who exercise need more calories than people who do not.
Current guidelinesTrusted Source outline the following calorie intakes for males and females of different ages:
| Person | Calorie requirements |
| Sedentary children: 2–8 years | 1,000–1,400 |
| Active children: 2–8 years | 1,000–2,000 |
| Females: 9–13 years | 1,400–2,200 |
| Males: 9–13 years | 1,600–2,600 |
| Active females: 14–30 years | 2,400 |
| Sedentary females: 14–30 years | 1,800–2,000 |
| Active males: 14–30 years | 2,800–3,200 |
| Sedentary males: 14–30 years | 2,000–2,600 |
| Active people: 30 years and over | 2,000–3,000 |
| Sedentary people: 30 years and over | 1,600–2,400 |
The source of one’s daily calories are also important. Foods that provide mainly calories and very little nutrition are referred to as “empty calories.”
Examples of foods that offer empty calories include:
- cakes, cookies, and donuts
- processed meats
- energy drinks and sodas
- fruit drinks with added sugar
- ice cream
- chips and fries
- pizza
- sodas
However, it is not only the type of food but the ingredients that make it nutritious.
A homemade pizza with a wholemeal base and a considerable quantity of fresh veggies on top may be a healthy choice. In contrast, premade pizzas and other highly processed foods often contain empty calories.
To maintain a nice health, limit your consumption of empty calories and instead try to get your calories from foods that are rich in other nutrients.
Why a Balanced Diet is Important
A balanced diet supplies the nutrients your body needs to function effectively. Without balanced nutrition, one’s body is more prone to disease, infection, fatigue, and low performance.
Children who do not get enough healthy foods may face growth and developmental problems, poor academic performance, and frequent infections.
They can also develop unhealthy eating habits that may persist into adulthood.
Without exercise, they will also have a higher risk of obesity and various diseases that make up metabolic syndrome, such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, four of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States are directly linked to diet.
Bottom Line
A varied and healthy diet is usually one that contains much of fresh, plant-based foods, and limits the intake of processed foods.
If you have questions about your diet or feel that you need to lose weight or change your eating habits, fix an appointment with your doctor or a dietitian.
They can suggest dietary changes that will help you get the nutrition you need while enhancing your overall health.
