Principles and Guidelines for Planning a Healthy Diet
Adequacy, balance, calorie control, nutrient density, moderation, variety
Ensuring sufficient energy and essential nutrients.
Eating the right proportion of foods.
Managing food intake to match energy needs.
Choosing foods with a high ratio of nutrients to calories
Eating enough but not too much of any food/nutrient.
Eating different foods across and within food groups.
Nutrient Density & Examples
Empty-Calorie Foods
Provide high calories but little to no essential nutrients.
o Examples: Soda, candy, doughnuts, fast food
Calorie-Dense Foods
Provide more calories than nutrients.
o Examples: Fried foods, processed snacks, sugary drinks
Major Food Groups
fruits, veggies, grains, protein foods, dairy
High in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
Provide fiber, vitamins A & C, potassium.
Whole grains preferred over refined grains.
Meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, legumes.
Milk, yogurt, cheese (preferably low-fat or fat-free).
o Half the plate should be fruits and vegetables.
o At least half of grains should be whole grains.
o Protein should be varied (lean meats, beans, nuts).
o Dairy should be low-fat or fat-free.
* Message: Emphasizes portion control, variety, and balance in the diet.
Nutrients to Reduce:
Foods to Increase:
Nutrients not originally present are added.
o Examples: Calcium in orange juice, Vitamin D in milk.
Processed to remove parts (like bran/germ in grains).
o Example: White flour.
Nutrients lost in processing are added back.
o Example: Enriched white bread (B vitamins added back).
Food Labels
Nutrients That Must Be Listed:
5/20 Rule: