A balanced diet includes a variety of foods from the Food Guide Pyramid, using fats and sugars sparingly. It keeps food intake at a level to support normal growth in children and desirable weight in adults. Breads and cereals provide energy, starch, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Fruits provide starch, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Vegetables provide starch, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Milk and dairy products. Dairy products provide calcium, phosphorus, protein, vitamin A, and riboflavin. Meat and meat substitutes. Meat and meat substitutes provide protein. People's nutrient needs vary depending on their age, physical size, and activity level.