A balanced and nutritious diet is a diet that includes a variety of foods from all the food groups in the right amounts to provide the nutrients needed for good health. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet has numerous benefits for overall health and well-being, including:

• Reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers
• Improved digestive health
• Increased energy and improved mood
• Stronger bones and teeth
• Improved cognitive function and memory
• Healthy weight management
• Better sleep quality

To ensure you are eating a balanced and nutritious diet, aim to include a variety of foods from all the food groups in the right amounts. This can be achieved by following a healthy eating pattern such as the Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet, which emphasize whole, minimally processed foods and limit added sugars and unhealthy fats. It is also important to pay attention to serving sizes and to limit intake of high-calorie, low-nutrient foods and drinks.

Examples of foods that should be included in a balanced and nutritious diet include:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Lean proteins such as fish, poultry, and beans
• Healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts
• Low-fat dairy products or dairy alternatives such as almond milk or soy milk