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What is a healthful diet?
A healthful diet provides the proper combination of energy and nutrients. It is adequate, moderate, nutrient-dense, varied, and balanced.
An adequate diet provides enough of the energy, nutrients, and fiber to maintain a person's health. It contains adequate portions of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
A Healthful Diet Is Adequate
The amount of food you eat should be moderate - not too much and not too little. Eating too much or too little of certain foods can affect your health goals.
Tip: eat slow and enjoy every bite
Recommended Daily Intake for carbohydrates is 45-65%, protein is 10-35%, and fat is 20-35% of your total calories.
A Healthful Diet Is Moderate
Maintaining a healthful diet will help you with weight loss, weight control, and to stay healthy.
A nutrient-dense diet is made up of foods and beverages that supply the highest level of nutrients for the lowest number of Calories.
For example, a turkey sandwich is more nutrient-dense than a cheeseburger
A Healthful Diet Is Nutrient-Dense
Eating the proper balance of nutrient-dense foods from each food group is important to maintain your health. You should consume majority of your daily calories in fresh fruist & vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and lean protein.
A Healthful Diet Is Balanced
Variety refers to eating many different foods from different food groups on a regular basis. It is always fun to try new healthful foods. Also selecting variety of foods increases the likelihood that you will consume a lot of nutrients your body needs.
A Healthful Diet Is Varied
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