What constitutes a balanced diet?

A balanced diet is defined as one that includes a variety of foods from different food groups in the right proportions to meet an individual's nutritional needs. This encompasses the right amounts of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, ensuring that the body receives all the nutrients it requires for optimal health and functioning.

Including a variety of foods allows for a wider range of nutrition, as different foods contain different essential nutrients. For example, grains provide carbohydrates, while fruits and vegetables offer vitamins and fiber, and proteins can come from both animal and plant sources. When diets lack variety and rely too heavily on a single food group, individuals may miss out on vital nutrients needed for overall health.

The other options highlight misconceptions about dietary balance. Diets high in carbohydrates and sugars can lead to negative health outcomes, such as obesity and diabetes, rather than promoting a balance of nutrients. While fruits and vegetables are crucial for health, a diet consisting mainly of them would still lack other important food groups, such as grains and proteins. Lastly, completely eliminating fats is not advisable, as healthy fats are essential for many bodily functions, including hormone production and nutrient absorption. Therefore, a truly balanced diet incorporates a range of foods in appropriate proportions to support health and wellness.