A plan of eating to help control weight and prevent or treat a disease. It includes foods and drinks, such as water, juice, milk, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats, eggs, nuts, seeds, fish, and soy products. A diet is usually supervised by a health care professional.
Diets vary, but the best ones emphasize whole, unprocessed foods and avoid overly processed or sugary foods and beverages. They also contain lean protein (such as fish or tofu), healthy fats (like those in nuts, seeds, and avocado), and low-fat carbohydrates. In general, people on a healthy diet try to get at least 6 to 8 servings of vegetables and fruits per day, whole grains, and low-fat sources of protein.
Eating a variety of foods from each group can keep meals interesting and prevent boredom, while providing all the nutrients you need. In addition, it’s best to choose the healthier options within each food group: for example, choosing a wholewheat pasta or brown rice instead of white and choosing a vegetable juice or smoothie for breakfast rather than a chocolate bar.
While the percentage of calories from each nutrient matters for weight control in controlled studies, research suggests that overall diet quality is more important. For instance, choosing high-fiber foods (such as leafy greens) and limiting added sugars, salt, and fat may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and obesity. It’s also a good idea to limit or avoid foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, as these can increase the risk of heart disease. Kost