Diet can be defined as “the kind of food on which a person or a group of persons survive”. Balanced diet can be defined as “a diet which contains a variety of foods in such quality, quantity and proportions that the need for energy (calorie), proteins (amino acids), fats (including essential fatty acids), carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, other nutrients and micronutrients are adequately met for maintaining health, vitality and general well-being and also makes a small provision for extra nutrients to withstand short duration of leanness”. Balanced diet has become the accepted means to safeguard the nutritional deficiencies of any nation, especially in the poor nations.
The balanced diet may vary in different countries of the world and in a same country also it may vary according to the regions. Some principles should be kept in mind while constructing balanced diet for a group of population. The principles are: (a) the most important part of a balanced diet is the protein content and it should be 10-15% of total energy intake. The protein should contain all the essential amino acids that are required by a human. (b) Next important is the fat content of balanced diet, which should not be more than 15-30% of total calorie intake and should contain essential fatty acids. (c) The remaining calorie intake should come from carbohydrates which are also rich source of dietary fibers. (d) Next important is provision of nutrients like vitamins, minerals and many other micronutrients.
The dietary pattern has wide variation in different parts of the world and the dietary habit generally develop according to the locally produced foods or imported foods, which in turn depends on the climatic condition of the region. The food or dietary habits also vary according to region, religion, economic capacity, customs, taboos, habits of the people etc. A balanced diet should address all the requirements for a group of population. balanced diet is for maintaining health of a healthy person as well as maintain patients’ health in diseases.