What is a balanced diet? List the steps involved in preparing a balanced diet.

What is a balanced diet?

A balanced diet can be defined as one which contains different types of foods in such quantities & proportions that the need for calories, minerals, vitamins & other nutrients is adequately met & a small provision is made for extra nutrients to withstand short duration of leanness.

The steps which involved in preparing a balanced diet are as follows:

i) Identify the individual & her specific characteristics.
ii) Consult RDIs for energy & protein.
iii) Decide on the total amount of specific group.
iv) Decide on the number of meals to be consumed.
v) Distribute total amounts decided between meals.
vi) Decide on items & their amounts within each group for each meal.
vii) Check day's diet for the inclusion of specific food groups in the amounts decided.

Balanced diet for pregnant women in the trimester:
A food plan is a list of the total amounts of the specific food exchanges which should be included in a day's diet with their energy & protein contributions.

Food group	Exchange	Total of exchange/day	Total amount (g)/day	Energy (kcal)	Protein (g)
Energy giving food	Cereals	10	200	700	20
	Root & tubers	1	60	70	2
	Sugar	3	15	60	-
	Fats & oils	5	25	225	-
Body building food	Milk	1	250ml	170	8
	Pulses	2	60	200	14
	Fish	1	50	70	7
Protective food	Green leafy vegetables	1	100	-	-
		3	300-450	120	6
		2	160-200	80	-
			Total	1765 kcal	57 (gm)