Balanced diet
The six food groups and the recommended serving for each.
The best approach to ensure a balanced diet is by eating a variety of food and drinks that fall under the six basic food groups found in the food pyramid.
Make sure you consume just the right amount of serving per food group:
Whole grains
Includes whole wheat, brown rice, barley, bread, pasta, etc. 6-8 servings per day.
Vegetables
Try to eat different colors of vegetables to ensure you benefit from the different vitamins and nutrients each one has.
The brighter the vegetable the more nutritious it usually is. 3-5 servings per day.
Fruits
Fruits can be eaten fresh, canned, fried, or even drank as fruit juices. Minimize drinking fruit juices with sugar. 2-4 servings per day.
milk and other dairy products
For those that are lactose intolerant there are lactose-free dairy products in the market. Opt for low-fat dairy products if possible. 2-3 servings per day.
Proteins
Includes meat, fish, beans, poultry, eggs, and nuts. Opt for white meat if possible since red meat is high in cholesterol. 2-3 servings per day.
Fat, oil, sweets
Eat sparingly.
Aside from eating the right amount of food make sure you drink at least 8 glasses (8oz. each) of water daily.