Final answer:
A healthy diet includes carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and water, maintaining a balance of these nutrients through adequate, balanced, calorie-controlled, moderate, and varied food choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
For healthy living, a diet should include a combination of different types of foods to ensure a balance of nutrients. The essential components of food required for a healthy diet are:
- Carbohydrates for energy
- Proteins for growth, repair, and maintenance
- Lipids (fats) for energy storage and cell structures
- Vitamins and minerals for various body functions and to maintain good health
- Water for hydration and bodily functions
A healthy diet is one that includes these componentsin the right balance and variety.
The principles of a healthful diet consist of five main factors:
- Adequacy to provide all essential nutrients, fiber, and calories
- Balance between food groups without overemphasizing one at the expense of another
- Calorie control to ensure energy intake matches energy expenditure
- Moderation to avoid excess intake of any nutrients
- Variety to benefit from a range of nutrients found in different foods