balanced diet
Varied, moderate eating
A balanced diet contains appropriate proportions of nutrients—proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals—to maintain health.
The concept implies variety and moderation rather than excess or deficiency in any category: Her doctor recommended a balanced diet rather than supplements.
What constitutes "balanced" varies by age, activity level, and medical guidance.
Primary nutritional building blocks
- micronutrientsVital substances needed minimally
- proteinsAmino acid polymers
- carbohydratesSugar-based energy compounds
- fatsOily organic nutrients
vitamins · minerals · fiber · calories · nutrient-dense · whole foods · plant-based · legumes
Scheduling what you'll cook
- portionsDivided amounts allocated
- servingsIndividual food portions
- food groupsClassifications of edible types
- dietary guidelinesRecommendations for healthy eating
meal prep · eating schedule · food pyramid · calorie counting · moderation · variety · rotation · weekly menu
Avoidance of excess
- proportionComparative relation of parts
- varietyState of being diverse
- equilibriumState of balance
- diversityState of varied elements
rotation · food groups · intuitive eating · mindful eating · sustainable eating
Edible plants, not fruits
- fruitsEdible seed-bearing crops
- whole grainsKernels with bran, germ, endosperm
- legumesEdible pod-bearing plants
- nutsSeeds in shells
seeds · fish · poultry · tofu · lentils · quinoa · brown rice · leafy greens
Cellular nutrient conversion
- weight managementRegulating body mass intentionally
- cholesterolWaxy lipid in blood
- glucosePrimary cellular fuel
- insulinPancreatic glucose-regulating hormone
blood sugar · heart health · digestion · energy levels · immune function · bone density · satiety · gut health
macronutrients
Primary nutritional building blocks
- micronutrientsVital substances needed minimally
- proteinsAmino acid polymers
- carbohydratesSugar-based energy compounds
fats · vitamins · minerals · fiber · calories · nutrient-dense · whole foods · plant-based · legumes · fruits
meal planning
Scheduling what you'll cook
- portionsDivided amounts allocated
- servingsIndividual food portions
- food groupsClassifications of edible types
dietary guidelines · meal prep · eating schedule · food pyramid · calorie counting · moderation · variety · rotation · weekly menu · grocery list
moderation
Avoidance of excess
- proportionComparative relation of parts
- varietyState of being diverse
- equilibriumState of balance
diversity · rotation · food groups · intuitive eating · mindful eating · sustainable eating
vegetables
Edible plants, not fruits
- fruitsEdible seed-bearing crops
- whole grainsKernels with bran, germ, endosperm
- legumesEdible pod-bearing plants
nuts · seeds · fish · poultry · tofu · lentils · quinoa · brown rice · leafy greens · berries
metabolism
Cellular nutrient conversion
- weight managementRegulating body mass intentionally
- cholesterolWaxy lipid in blood
- glucosePrimary cellular fuel
insulin · blood sugar · heart health · digestion · energy levels · immune function · bone density · satiety · gut health · inflammation
- kids' healthhealthy habits, hygiene, nutrition, wellness, healthy eating
- diet goalsweight loss, weight gain, calorie counting, portion control, low carb
- diet termscalorie counting, portion control, low carb, low fat, sugar free
- nutrition educationnutrition facts, food groups, healthy eating, food pyramid, nutrition class
- nutritionistmeal plan, calorie counting, portion control, food pyramid, macros
- child nutritionbaby food, breakfast, calcium, calories, carbohydrates
balanced dietcrash diet
Drastic short-term weight-loss regimen
fad diet · starvation diet · binge eating · elimination diet · yo-yo dieting
balanced dietbinge eating
Excessive uncontrolled food intake
disordered eating · mindless eating · feast or famine · compulsive eating · eating disorder
diet, balance, balanced, unbalanced, balancing, balances, unbalance, counterbalance, counterbalances