What does eating "balanced" really mean?
Perhaps you've heard the advice to "eat a balanced diet" since you were a child. It's very possible that the meaning of the word then was different from what I mean when I say it from an Intuitive Eating perspective. Consider using this framework when looking at how you're eating "for the most part."
In one sense, when I use the word "balanced," I'm referring to the inclusion of all three macronutrients - protein, carbohydrate, and fat - in meals and snacks. This is because including all three tends to increase enjoyment and satisfaction while eating, and enhances satiety between meals. Proteins, carbs, and fats serve different purposes in the body and the foods that contain these macronutrients have different characteristics due to their content.
Carbohydrates such as grains, vegetables, and fruits provide an immediate source of energy as well as texture, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Proteins such as meat, fish, dairy, eggs, and beans help your body develop, heal, and grow while giving you something to really sink your teeth into.
Fat such as oils, butter, nuts, and avocado provide satisfaction, enjoyable mouthfeel, and long-lasting satiety.
In another sense, I used the word "balanced" to mean including foods from a variety of sources. One example (but certainly not the only one) is as follows:
Starchy foods: pasta, rice, bread, crackers, grains, potatoes, corn, peas
High-protein: meat, fish, seafood, tofu, protein powders, nuts and seeds, meat substitutes, beans and pulses
Dairy: milk, yogurt, cheese, kefir, cottage cheese
Fruit: bananas, apples, citrus, berries, grapes, pineapple, mango, etc.
Non-starchy vegetables: kale, broccoli, collards, carrots, salad greens, raw veggies, etc.
Sources of fat: coconut, avocado, oils, butter, ghee, nuts and seeds, etc.
Fermented foods: sauerkraut, miso, kombucha, kimchi, kefir
Fun foods: cookies, ice cream, chocolate, candy, cakes, etc.
There are many, many ways to break down the word "balanced." What is most important is up to you!
Want more discussion of the nuances of adding nutrition from an anti-diet perspective? Check out the Intuitive Eating for Life Community, a safe online space for those divesting of diet culture and creating their own framework for a life well lived.