a balanced meal

USAGE SUMMARY

"a balanced meal" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It describes a meal that contains a variety of nutrients in appropriate proportions. This phrase can be used in various contexts, such as discussing nutrition, healthy eating, or meal planning. Example: In order to maintain a healthy diet, it is important to have a balanced meal that includes proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Is there any hope for a balanced meal?

The New York Times - Health

Do you know what a balanced meal consists of?

The New York Times

It is your responsibility to assemble a balanced meal.

The New York Times

There are, in fact, very few ways to put together a balanced meal at Chez Sardine.

The New York Times - Food

One was his definition of a balanced meal: "An Italian hero cut in half".

The New York Times

According to Dr. Wharton, "They're really interested in creating a balanced meal".

The New York Times

It's not going to be a lady preparing them sundaes; it's going to be a balanced meal".

The New Yorker

My trainer tells me to eat every three hours or so with a balanced meal of protein, carbs and fats.

Independent

I felt like I didn't have to worry about whether people had a balanced meal or not".

The New York Times

"We want them to understand the nature of a balanced meal, and to realize there are other choices.

The New York Times

But though the series isn't quite a balanced meal — each course lasts about ninety minutes — by the end of it you are likely to feel full.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about nutrition, specify what constitutes "a balanced meal" for your target audience. Consider factors like age, activity level, and dietary needs to provide relevant and actionable advice.

Common error

Avoid promoting a single meal plan as "a balanced meal" for everyone. Nutritional needs vary, so emphasize the importance of consulting a nutritionist for personalized recommendations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a balanced meal" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the concept of a meal that provides all the necessary nutrients in appropriate proportions. As Ludwig AI examples show, it commonly appears as the object of verbs like 'eat', 'prepare', or 'create'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a balanced meal" is a widely used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a meal containing a variety of nutrients in appropriate proportions. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's frequently used in contexts related to health, nutrition, and well-being. While the phrase is appropriate for a range of settings, from informal discussions to professional guidelines, it's important to provide specific information on what constitutes "a balanced meal" based on individual needs. Remember to use related phrases like "nutritionally complete meal" or wholesome meal and be aware of common errors such as overgeneralizing nutritional advice. Aim for clarity and precision in your writing to effectively communicate the importance of "a balanced meal" for overall health.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

varied and balanced diet

Emphasizes variety alongside balance, highlighting the importance of different food sources.

nutritionally complete meal

Focuses on the completeness of nutrients, highlighting that all essential nutrients are present.

wholesome meal

Emphasizes the healthiness and purity of the meal, implying natural and beneficial ingredients.

well-composed meal

Emphasizes the careful selection and arrangement of different components of the meal.

well-rounded diet

Shifts the focus from a single meal to an overall dietary pattern that includes a variety of food groups.

complete nutritional intake

Highlights the total intake of nutrients, broader than just a single meal.

healthy eating plan

Broader concept, referring to a structured approach to eating that prioritizes health and nutrition.

nutritious repast

Uses a more formal term for "meal" and emphasizes the presence of nutrients.

healthful diet

Similar to "wholesome meal" but focuses on the overall dietary pattern.

balanced diet

Removes the focus from a single meal and describes long term eating habits.

FAQs

What does "a balanced meal" typically include?

A "balanced meal" usually contains a mix of macronutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) from various food groups like fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein sources.

How can I create "a balanced meal" when eating out?

When dining out, aim to include a source of lean protein, a serving of vegetables, and a complex carbohydrate in your meal. Choosing grilled or baked options over fried foods can also help maintain balance.

What is the difference between "a healthy meal" and "a balanced meal"?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, "a healthy meal" generally refers to a meal that is good for your health, while "a balanced meal" specifically refers to a meal that contains a variety of nutrients in appropriate proportions. You can also consider a wholesome meal

What are some signs that I'm not eating "a balanced meal"?

Signs of an unbalanced diet can include fatigue, frequent cravings, digestive issues, and nutrient deficiencies. Ensuring you get variety and the right proportions can help.