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What is Considered a Balanced Meal?

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Exactly what is considered a balanced meal may vary between people of different cultures. In the West, in particular, a balanced meal is typically thought of as being a protein in the form of a piece of meat, surrounded by a starch and side vegetable, with a roll and glass of milk. In part, this is due to being conditioned to selecting foods from the Basic Four as outlined in the food pyramid developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). However, this agency has restructured its guidelines under the new “MyPyramid” to include five basic foods, with meat given much less prominence and an increased focus on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. In addition, other food pyramid models exist that caters to those who prefer an Asian, Mediterranean, Latin American, or vegetarian slanted diet.

Regardless of meat-eating status or any ethnicity or regional association, a balanced meal plan is still very much the same for everyone. In other words, all of these food pyramids promote the message that a variety of whole foods is key and that sugars, saturated fats, and alcohol should be consumed in moderation. In fact, the only real difference between these pyramids is the suggested foods listed within each food group. For instance, the Asian food pyramid recommends noodles and rice on a daily basis, while the Mediterranean suggests polenta and couscous instead.

Legumes are a good source of protein, an important part of a balanced meal.
Legumes are a good source of protein, an important part of a balanced meal.

Obviously, the purpose of these pyramid pictorials is to assist one in choosing foods to prepare balanced meals by the reliable method of choosing a few from each group. In addition, foods recommended in the most quantity always form the widest part of the pyramid, which is the base. However, it can be inconvenient and even a nuisance to refer to a chart just to make dinner each night. That said, there are a few simple guidelines to making a healthy, balanced meal without resorting to pictures or lists.

Polenta can add fiber and starch to a meal.
Polenta can add fiber and starch to a meal.

The second rule of thumb is to include a variety of textures with each meal. This not only provides dietary interest, but also ensures an assortment of whole grains. It’s also worth mentioning that certain raw foods provide texture, as well as optimum nutrition and much-needed fiber.

In fact, cooking vegetables can diminish their nutritional value. So consider a slaw or salad of freshly grated or sliced vegetables as one way to get crunch and power-packed nutrition. For that matter, raw vegetables make an excellent addition to other foods that help round out a meal, such as rice, bean, and pasta dishes.

The Asian version of the food pyramid recommends the daily consumption of noodles or rice.
The Asian version of the food pyramid recommends the daily consumption of noodles or rice.

The final element to knowing what constitutes a balanced meal is the moderation of certain foods. Specifically, sweets, fats, and oils should be consumed the least. In addition, it’s not necessary to include meat with every meal. In fact, most cuts of beef can add a considerable amount of dietary fat and cholesterol and should be limited. This extends to egg yolks as well, which are best restricted to only once or twice per week. Excellent sources of protein in place of meat and eggs include legumes, cheese, and dark green, leafy vegetables.

Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to TheHealthBoard is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...
Karyn Maier
Karyn Maier

Contributing articles to TheHealthBoard is just one of Karyn’s many professional endeavors. She is also a magazine writer and columnist, mainly for health-related publications, as well as the author of four books. Karyn lives in New York’s Catskill Mountain region and specializes in topics about green living and botanical medicine.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Crispety

@Cafe41 - I know what you mean. I try to create a balanced meal planner throughout the week so that I know ahead of time what I will be eating.

I think that proper planning like this offers the best way to follow a diet plan. The more things that you can control from your environment the more in control you will be regarding your weight loss.

I also carry healthy snacks around like grapes that have natural sugar so when I crave something sweet I eat grapes and my craving is satisfied.

There are days when I do need the cookies but I try to do that once in a while so that I can continue to make progress with my weight loss.

cafe41

@SurfNTurf - I heard that too. I always try to keep one of the meal replacement bars in my purse in case I do get hungry because if not I will not eat a healthy balanced meal.

I will eat whatever is in front of me when I get home. I also keep bottled water with me because water combined with a meal replacement bar will really keep me satisfied longer.

surfNturf

I think that a well balanced meal contains lean meat, vegetables, fruit, and a starch like some bread or rice. If you have a little bit of these important food groups you will be eating balanced meals. I sometimes eat some low fat cheese wedges with some grapes. The combination is fantastic and the protein in the cheese actually slows the absorption of the food so I remain fuller longer.

I read in a health magazine that you should try to incorporate some protein at every meal so that you will stay satisfied longer. Foods with a lot of starch like pasta and rice tend to be absorbed quickly which is why you are hungry only a few hours later.

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    • Legumes are a good source of protein, an important part of a balanced meal.
      Legumes are a good source of protein, an important part of a balanced meal.
    • Polenta can add fiber and starch to a meal.
      Polenta can add fiber and starch to a meal.
    • The Asian version of the food pyramid recommends the daily consumption of noodles or rice.
      By: torsakarin
      The Asian version of the food pyramid recommends the daily consumption of noodles or rice.
    • Only limited amounts of meat like beef should be included in a balanced meal.
      By: valery121283
      Only limited amounts of meat like beef should be included in a balanced meal.
    • Whole grains and vegetables are usually part of a balanced meal.
      By: tashka2000
      Whole grains and vegetables are usually part of a balanced meal.