what constitutes a balanced diet?

A balanced diet contains all the classes of food in adequate proportions which supply the required energy for the body and maintain proper growth and functioning of the body. A single source cannot satisfy the energy requirements of the body, because it would deprive the body of essential building materials as well as the regulatory substances. Hence, a balanced diet includes adequate quantities of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and water. It is also important to include roughage/fibres in our diet which prevents constipation. It is usually present in salads, fruits and vegetables such as cabbage and spinach.