Consume a Variety of Foods

Nutrition problems are primarily due to unbalanced diets. Unbalanced diet means total nutrient consumed are less or more than that required. The nutrition problem caused by unbalanced diets are under-nutrition such as protein energy malnutrition, iodine deficiency disorder, vitamin A deficiency or iron deficiency anemia or over-nutrition leading to obesity.

To promote a balanced diet, principle of nutrient complementary between foods should be understood. Every kind of food contains different types of nutritions. A variety of foods would complement each other to meet the nutrients spectrum required for the body. therefore, a balanced diet can be obtained by consumptions of a variety of foods.

Indonesian diet comprises of staple foods, side dishes, vegetable, and fruits. For a variety of foods, meals must consist op staple foods containing carbohydrate for energy; side dishes consisting of protein sources from plant or animal origin, and vegetables and fruits as source of vitamins, mineral, and water. In another words a diet with a variety of foods can provide adequate energy from carbohydrate, fat, protein, vitamins, minerals, and water.

This balanced diet would guarantee sufficient energy for healthy, growing, developing and productive activity. For example, energy foods sources are required for daily activities, such as working, learning; protein is required for growth, development, cells regeneration; vitamins, minerals and water are needed as a catalyst in the metabolism.