What are the 3 factors of a balanced diet?

Answer 1

1) Not overeating, even of healthy foods.

2) Getting a healthy combination of the food-groups.

3) Not adding junk foods (except in small or occasional amounts) to your diet.

A balanced diet consists of a healthy combination of foods in all the food groups. These include vegetables, fruits, grains, dairy, proteins and oils. Junk foods and sweetened drinks are best avoided.

Vegetables:

Get plenty of these; preferably unsalted and not fried. Try to vary the types of vegetables you eat.

Fruits:

Like vegetables, these contain healthy vitamins and antioxidants. They also have fructose, so don't overdo it.

Grains:

Get plenty of these. Whole grain products such as whole wheat breads, brown rice and oatmeal are the healthy types.

Dairy:

The calcium in milk is an essential part of a balanced diet. Dairy products including cheese and yogurt also count towards your dairy needs.

Proteins:

This group includes meat (preferably lean), beans, fish, nuts and seeds. Try to eat a combination of each of these foods throughout the week.

Oils:

Oils play an important role in the food pyramid because unsaturated (healthy) fat conveys certain vitamins (such as A, D, E, and K) which don't dissolve in water. Healthy foods that count towards your oil goal include nuts, seeds, salmon, sardines and avocados. Olive oil is very healthy. Saturated and trans fats should be avoided.