Key Recommendations for Eating a Balanced Diet

• Follow a balanced diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, salt, and alcohol, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Eating Plan.
• Balance your calorie intake with exercise. Slowly decrease the amount of calories you take in while increasing exercise to prevent gradual weight gain over time. Exercise regularly and reduce activities in which you sit (such as watching TV). 
• Eat 2 cups (4 servings) of fruit and 2 1/2 cups of vegetables (5 servings) per day for an average 2,000-calorie per day diet. 
• Eat 3 or more ounces of whole-grain products per day. 
• Consume 3 cups per day of fat-free or low-fat milk or milk products. 
• Get fewer than 10% of calories from saturated fatty acids.
• Avoid trans fatty acids. 
• Limit cholesterol intake to less than 300 mg/day. 
• Make total fat intake no more than 20 - 35% of calories. Choose "good" fats such as fish, nuts, and vegetable oils containing polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Lean, low-fat, or fat-free meats, poultry, dry beans, and milk or milk products are preferable. Total fat intake can approach 35% if most of the fats are "good" fats. 
• Stay away from added sugars. 
• Consume fewer than 2,300 mg (approximately one teaspoon of salt) of sodium daily, and limit added salt when you prepare food. 
• Do not consume more than 1 alcoholic drink per day for women, 2 per day for men. Certain people should not drink any alcohol.