A balanced diet is one that provides an adequate intake of energy and nutrients for maintenance of the

body and therefore good health. A diet can easily be adequate for normal bodily functioning, yet may
not be a balanced diet. An ideal human diet contains fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals,
water and fibre all in correct proportions. These proportions vary for each individual because everyone
has different metabolic rates and levels of activity.
Malnutrition results from an unbalanced diet, this can be due to an excess of some dietary
components and lack of other components, not just a complete lack of food. Too much of one
component can be as much harm to the body as too little. Deficiency diseases occur when there is a lack
of a specific nutrient, although some diet related disorders are a result of eating in excess. An adequate
diet provides sufficient energy for the performance of the body to function.
Carbohydrates, fats and proteins provide energy. Proteins are a provider of energy in an
emergency, but are primarily used as building blocks for growth and repair of many body tissues. We
also need much smaller amounts of other nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. Despite the small
quantities needed these are essential to provide a healthy diet.

What you eat largely impacts the way your body functions. Eating poorly or well can make a big
difference on both the physical and mental aspects of your body. Eating a healthy diet affects your body
in a positive way. You’ll notice you feel better and seem to function better. A healthy diet can balance
out your body and allows it to function in its most efficient state.

Physical Benefits

Eating healthfully allows your body to function better. When you eat healthfully, you feel more awake.
You have more energy to spare because your body isn’t trying to run on sugar and fat. Eating a healthy
mix of grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy and protein gives your body all of the nutrients it needs. Eating
fruits and vegetables is also believed to reduce your risk for certain cardiovascular diseases, stroke, type
2 diabetes and cancer. With a healthy diet, your body physically functions better.

Mental Benefits

The physical benefits aren’t the only positive effects of healthy eating, there are mental benefits as well.
When your body is functioning at its best, not only do you feel more awake, but you are also more
focused. Your focus can then bring you to do any number of activities. The more focused you are, the
more you can get done. Eating healthfully can also boost you mood and lower your stress levels. Your
mental health is much more stimulated with your body fulfilled and running smoothly.

Good nutritional habits and a balanced diet aren't developed in one day, nor are they destroyed in one
unbalanced meal. ... Eating nutritious and healthful food while maintaining your proper body weight will
contribute to a better performance