It’s not always easy to figure out how much of each type of food is right for your body. Fortunately, there are some guidelines that can help you understand what makes a balanced meal. The USDA’s MyPlate is the government’s recommended pattern for a healthy diet. In general, each group of food should comprise about half your plate.
While a balanced plate is a good guide for a healthy diet, there are some exceptions to the general rules. In general, a plate should contain a variety of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and should be low in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars. A plate with a varied selection of colors is also a good idea, as a greater variety of colors means a greater diversity of vitamins and minerals.
The new MyPlate graphic, developed by the Harvard School of Public Health, emphasizes a varied diet composed of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. It also encourages people to eat fish and lean meat instead of red meat. In addition to encouraging proper food selection, Harvard’s Healthy Eating Plate also suggests eating a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, while avoiding high-calorie and high-fat food items.
A balanced diet is important to maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being. The basic composition of a balanced plate depends on a person’s age, sex, and physical activity. The best way to eat a healthy diet is by choosing a variety of foods and incorporating them into your daily routine.