A balanced diet fulfills all nutritional needs of the body by providing the right amount of nutrients and calories without exceeding the daily recommended calorie intake. It includes eating a variety of fruits and vegetables, basing meals on higher fiber starchy foods, and consuming some dairy or protein. The best plans for a balanced diet involve eating at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, using higher fiber starchy foods as the base of meals, and incorporating some dairy or dairy alternatives as well as beans, pulses, fish, eggs, or meat.