Definition

Noun: A diet that contains adequate amounts of all the necessary nutrients required for healthy growth and activity. It involves consuming appropriate proportions of different food groups to maintain good health.

Usage

A "balanced diet" is a singular, countable noun phrase. It is used to describe the concept of nutritional adequacy and variety in food intake. - It is typically preceded by articles like "a" or "the." - It often follows verbs like "eat," "follow," "maintain," or "have."

Examples

• General Statement:
  • A balanced diet is essential for good health.
  • Doctors recommend eating a balanced diet.
• With Possessive/Descriptive Words:
  • Her balanced diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  • The key to a balanced diet is variety.
• In Advice or Instructions:
  • You should try to have a balanced diet every day.
  • Athletes need a balanced diet to fuel their performance.

Advanced Usage

• "part of a balanced diet": Used to indicate that a specific food, even one sometimes considered indulgent, can be included within an overall healthy eating pattern.
  • Dark chocolate can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.
• Conceptual use without the article "a" when speaking generally.
  • The principles of balanced diet are taught in school.

Variants and Related Words

• Diet (n): The kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats. ("Balanced diet" is a specific type of diet.)
• Nutritionally complete diet (n phrase): A more technical term with a similar meaning.
• Well-rounded diet (n phrase): An informal synonym emphasizing variety.

Synonyms

• Healthy diet
• Nutritious diet
• Proper diet

Related Phrases

• "Balance is key": A common saying related to the concept of a balanced diet, emphasizing moderation and variety.
• "Eat a rainbow": An idiomatic piece of advice encouraging the consumption of fruits and vegetables of different colors, which promotes a balanced diet.

Noun

1. a diet that contains adequate amounts of all the necessary nutrients required for healthy growth and activity