Learn what a balanced diet is and why it is essential for good health and well-being. Find out the 7 components of a balanced diet , the benefits of each, and a sample daily diet chart for guidance. A balanced diet isn’t a rigid rulebook or a fad—it’s a flexible, life-enhancing approach to food. It respects your body, your culture, your tastes, and your needs. It adapts, grows, and evolves with you. The science behind eating right is surprisingly simple: give your body what it needs, in the right proportions, from a variety of sources. A balanced diet fulfils all of a person’s nutritional needs and includes foods from the 5 essential food groups. Learn more about building a healthful, balanced diet here. A balanced diet provides the body with essential nutrients—proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals—that it needs to function effectively. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, gain muscle, or simply maintain your health, eating a balanced diet is key.