Fundamentals of Food Technology

Balanced diet

• A balanced diet is one which contains different types of food in such quantities and proportions so that the need for calories, proteins, minerals, vitamins and other nutrients is adequately met and a small provision is made for extra nutrients to withstand short duration lean periods. (Srilakshmi, 2000)
• A balance diet may be defined as one which contains various groups of food stuffs such as energy yielding foods, body building foods and protective foods in the correct proportion so that individual is assured of obtaining the minimum requirements of all the nutrients.
• The components of balanced diet will differ according to age, sex, physical activity, economic status and the physiological state viz. pregnancy, lactation etc.