balanced diet

American  

noun

1. a diet consisting of the proper quantities and proportions of foods needed to maintain health or growth.

---

balanced diet Cultural  

1. A diet that contains the proper proportions of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water necessary to maintain good health.

---

Etymology

Origin of balanced diet

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

The Food and Drink Federation says UPFs can form part of a balanced diet, like frozen peas and wholemeal bread.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

The researchers discovered that a balanced diet supports longer healthspan and that certain dietary components offer protective effects.

From Science Daily • Oct. 15, 2025

Overall, the worms exposed to a balanced diet were more active and healthier in old age.

From Science Daily • Oct. 15, 2025

The Cookie Monster declared cookies a "sometimes food" and taught children about a balanced diet.

From BBC • May 19, 2025

The authorities liked to say that we received a balanced diet; it was indeed balanced — between the unpalatable and the inedible.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela