balanced diet

American  

noun

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

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balanced diet Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of balanced diet

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

A healthy routine, particularly a well balanced diet, can help slow cognitive decline and support healthier aging.

From Science Daily • Jan. 27, 2026

Many processed items, especially those based on plants, are beneficial parts of a balanced diet.

From Science Daily • Oct. 20, 2025

Miss Alker stresses it's important to eat a balanced diet, do exercise and spend time outside - even when all you want to do is cuddle up under the duvet.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2025

The idea that all ultra-processed foods are inherently unhealthy ignores an inconvenient truth: Some UPFs contribute meaningfully to a balanced diet.

From Salon • Feb. 20, 2025

He said fasting messed up his carefully balanced diet of simply grilled chicken breasts and staring at his abs in the mirror.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi