Flexible diets are one of the priority actions on nutrition for the next five years. A flexible diet is a healthy diet with adjustable dietary energy density. A balanced diet is healthy. A balanced diet should provide around 50-60% of total calories from carbohydrates, preferably from complex carbohydrates, about 10-15% from proteins and 20-30% from both visible and invisible fat. Dietary Energy Density is defined as food energy in Kcal (Kilocalories) per unit mass (gram). Dietary energy density can be modified according to the need by increasing or decreasing the ratios of macronutrients: carbohydrates, protein and fatty acids within the limits of recommended dietary allowance. A healthy diet is an ideal diet if it meets the needs of a person. Dietary energy requirement of a healthy adult depends on the level of physical activity and type of work. Dietary energy requirement of a child or teenager depends on the level of physical activity and participation in games and sports.
Dr. Kameswararao Chiruvolu