So what is a "balanced" diet?

[Riprorin]

Talk to most medical professonals and they'll tell you to eat a "balanced" diet and limit fats.

No other specifics than this.

Exactly what does this mean and how does such information help the average individual?

 

[minendo]

http://www.diet-i.com/health/balanced-diet.htm

 

[Riprorin]

Originally posted by: minendo
http://www.diet-i.com/health/balanced-diet.htm

"The healthiest combination for a balanced diet is low fat + high carbohydrate.
For example, as a general rule:

About 55 percent of your calories should come from complex carbohydrates
About 15-20 percent should come from proteins.
About 25-30 percent should come from all fat. (Of this, a max. of one third may be saturated fat). "

With the proliferation of low fat foods, people are eating less fat than they ever have, yet we're getting fatter. Why's that? Perhaps this model is wrong.

 

[ThaPerculator]

I don't think ANYONE knows what the true "balanced" diet is... i think its different from person to person.

 

[NTB]

An ice-cream sandwich in each hand?

j/k

In all honesty, something as simple as eating less junk - chips, soda, cookies (or just sweets in general) - will give you a good start. Now if only I could learn to follow my own advice....

Nate

 

[Electric Amish]

Originally posted by: Riprorin

Originally posted by: minendo
http://www.diet-i.com/health/balanced-diet.htm

"The healthiest combination for a balanced diet is low fat + high carbohydrate.
For example, as a general rule:

About 55 percent of your calories should come from complex carbohydrates
About 15-20 percent should come from proteins.
About 25-30 percent should come from all fat. (Of this, a max. of one third may be saturated fat). "

With the proliferation of low fat foods, people are eating less fat than they ever have, yet we're getting fatter. Why's that? Perhaps this model is wrong.

It could also be that since everything is "low fat" we think it's ok to eat more of it.

amish

 

[vi edit]

I pint of Guinness in one hand, and a pint of Harp in the other?

 

[Riprorin]

Originally posted by: Electric Amish

Originally posted by: Riprorin

Originally posted by: minendo
http://www.diet-i.com/health/balanced-diet.htm

"The healthiest combination for a balanced diet is low fat + high carbohydrate.
For example, as a general rule:

About 55 percent of your calories should come from complex carbohydrates
About 15-20 percent should come from proteins.
About 25-30 percent should come from all fat. (Of this, a max. of one third may be saturated fat). "

With the proliferation of low fat foods, people are eating less fat than they ever have, yet we're getting fatter. Why's that? Perhaps this model is wrong.

It could also be that since everything is "low fat" we think it's ok to eat more of it.

amish

Could be. Plus low fat foods are generally high in sugar.