Take an hour or two of your free time and write up your ideas for all meals and snacks. Try tallying up all the food groups for each daily meal plan. Did you include dairy each day? How about enough fruits or vegetables? If you’re busy or on the go, plan for meals that are quick, require little cooking, or recipes that you can freeze for easy-to-prepare meals. Search online for sample meal plans and inspiration.
A well-stocked pantry can be a great tool for maintaining a balanced diet. Stock up on shelf-stable foods for quick and easy balanced meals: canned beans, no-salt-added canned vegetables, canned tuna or chicken, 100% whole grains (like quinoa, 100% whole wheat pasta or brown rice), and nut butter. Stock up on frozen items like vegetables (without sauces or seasonings), fruit, pre-cooked grains (like brown rice or quinoa), low-calorie dinners (for busy nights), and proteins (fish or chicken). Keep a supply of fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy (like low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese), and lean proteins (chicken, fish, pork, or lean beef).
Purchase a journal or download a journaling app on your smartphone. Track as many days as you can. Pay attention to the 5 food groups—are you consuming all of them each day? We are often unaware if we are eating too much or too little of something. A food journal can bring this information to light. When first starting, note where you think you can make improvements or better choices. For example, maybe you’re not a big vegetable fan and you typically skimp on this group, or you eat a lot of the same foods each week without much variety.
Speak with your primary care doctor. Your doctor is most likely aware of your health and medical conditions and may be able to give you general recommendations for certain foods or a diet pattern that can help you achieve not only a balanced diet, but one that may improve your overall health. They may also be able to refer you to a local dietitian for additional help. Visit https://www. eatright. org/find-a-nutrition-expert to search for a dietitian in your area.
Protein is essential to all cells and processes in your body—anything from building and repairing tissues to making enzymes, hormones, and other chemicals. Ideally, choose lean protein foods like poultry, eggs, lean beef, seafood, nuts, and beans. [7] X Research source Dairy foods also contain protein but are known for being high in calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. Choose low-fat dairy products like yogurt, milk, cheese, or kefir. [8] X Trustworthy Source USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion U. S. agency responsible for promoting good nutrition based on scientific research Go to source Fruits and vegetables are 2 food groups that offer a host of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. [9] X Research source They are also low in calories which makes them an essential component of a balanced diet. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables each day. [10] X Research source The grain group can be split into two separate groups: whole grains (like brown rice, quinoa, or oatmeal) and refined/processed grains (white bread, white rice, or plain pasta). Aim to make at least half of all your grain choices 100% whole grain. These types of grains are high in fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients. [11] X Trustworthy Source USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion U. S. agency responsible for promoting good nutrition based on scientific research Go to source
Consume fat in moderation but don’t cut it out of your diet completely. [13] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Foods that contain omega-3 fats include salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, tuna, walnuts, canola oil, and flaxseeds. [14] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Monounsaturated fats come from foods like olive oil, avocado, olives, and hazelnuts. [15] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
Eating 3 or more meals a day or including snacks makes it easier for you to consume all the recommended amounts of essential nutrients you need each day. Skipping meals puts you at risk of not being able to consume what you need. Regular, frequent meals and snacks provide a steady flow of energy to your brain. The fairly even blood sugar level helps your brain function well. An example of one day of balanced eating may look like: scrambled eggs with vegetables and cheese for breakfast; whole wheat wrap with lean turkey and cheese and 1 cup baby carrots for lunch; a small apple and a cheese stick for an afternoon snack; and large spinach salad with raw vegetables and 4 oz. of grilled salmon for dinner.
Choose liquid like water, iced tea, decaf coffee, or no-calorie flavored waters. Purchase a water bottle to help you monitor the volume of liquids you consume throughout the day.
In general, portion sizes of fruits and vegetables can and should be larger compared to servings of items like grains. These low-calorie, nutrient-packed foods should make up about 50% of your meals and snacks. Foods from the grain group like pasta, rice or bread should be monitored. It can be easy to overdo it from this group, which can throw off the balance of your diet. 1/2 cup of grains like rice or pasta is a serving and 1 oz of items like bread is also 1 serving. Dairy and protein-based foods offer a lot of nutrition and should be consumed at most meals and snacks. Consuming 3-4 oz protein, 1 cup or 1 oz of dairy foods are appropriate portion sizes.
Maintaining a balanced diet does not mean avoiding favorite items like sweets or high-fat indulgent foods like macaroni and cheese. Choose these foods in moderation and enjoy them occasionally and in portion-controlled servings. Decide what moderation is for you. It may mean splitting dessert every Friday night or going out to your favorite burger place twice a month.
Although 100% fruit juice does have some nutritional benefit, juice still contains a relatively high amount of sugar and should be consumed in moderation. [22] X Trustworthy Source USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion U. S. agency responsible for promoting good nutrition based on scientific research Go to source Skip sodas and sugary drinks. If you still need caffeine, consider coffee or tea with skim milk and limited sweetener. Limit alcoholic beverages as well. Aim for 1 drink or less daily for women and 2 drinks or less daily for men. [23] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source An occasional glass of wine or sweetened tea is okay. Again, it’s important to enjoy these items in moderation.
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio activity each week. Exercises like jogging, biking and swimming are good options. [25] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source Aim to participate in strength training at least 2 times a week. [26] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source Lifting weights or going to a Pilates class are good options.
