Published on August 5, 2025 • By Charles Piedboeuf • 8 minute read.
Why Eating a Balanced Diet Shouldn't Be Complicated
Eating a balanced diet... Just by writing it down, you're already imagining perfect plates, endless lists of foods to avoid, and maybe a hint of guilt if you indulge in pizza on a Wednesday night. However, it's not about perfection or superhuman effort. A balanced diet is mostly about common sense, a little organization, and a lot of fun. 🥗
You don't need to be a nutritionist or follow the latest complicated trends. The idea is to give your body what it needs, without depriving yourself, or spending your life cooking or counting every calorie. With a few simple tips and smart tools, you can transform your habits without any hassle. And the good news is: you might even get a taste for it!
The golden rules for a balanced daily diet
In the jungle of nutrition advice, it's easy to get lost. So, to put it simply, here are the principles that make the difference:
Putting variety at the center
Don't focus on one miracle food: it's diversity that truly nourishes. Alternate colors, vegetables, grains (preferably whole grains), protein sources (plant-based or animal), and consider changing your cooking method from time to time. For example, cooking in an air fryer allows you to limit the addition of fat without sacrificing deliciousness.
Respect your hunger and your pleasure
Listen to your feelings: eat when you're hungry, stop when you're full. Savoring also means taking your time, even for a quick meal. Don't hesitate to treat yourself to a dessert or a square of chocolate: balance is achieved over the week, not just in one meal!
Favor homemade food, even very simple ones
No need for Top Chef-worthy recipes: a vegetable stir-fry, a healthy barbecue , a quickly blended smoothie—they're already much better than ultra-processed dishes. With a blender or a good oven, you can vary your recipes effortlessly.
Don't demonize deviations
A burger with friends, an ice cream on a terrace: you're allowed! Don't let guilt spoil your enjoyment. What matters is the overall outcome of your choices, not a one-off lapse. Your mind plays as much a role as what's on your plate.
Drink enough and move a little every day
Water is the key! Remember to stay hydrated and keep moving: walking, cycling, stretching... A balanced diet goes hand in hand with an active lifestyle, without necessarily aiming for performance.
Practical tips to make life easier
The secret to staying healthy over time? Get organized... but without becoming a slave to the kitchen. Here are some tried and tested tips:
- Prepare ahead : Cook a large quantity of roasted vegetables, rice, or legumes and keep them fresh for several meals. You can also create a weekly fruit and vegetable basket and pick from it as the days go by.
- Simplify your shopping : Make a list of essentials so you never run out of something to make a quick and healthy meal. An egg, some tomatoes, a little whole-grain bread... and hey presto, a balanced lunch in five minutes.
- Measure your portions easily : imagine your plate in three: half vegetables, a quarter starchy foods, a quarter protein. Simple and effective, without weighing!
- Keep some quick fixes handy : fresh fruit to munch on, plain yogurt, or even a homemade smoothie for that afternoon snack. Also, consider batch cooking if you want to save time.
- Quick inspirations : discover, for example , these simple ideas for stress-free cooking .
How to eat a balanced diet on a budget
We often think that eating healthy is expensive, but it doesn't have to be! Here are some tips:
- Focus on seasonal produce : it's tastier, less expensive, and better for the planet. Take a look at our fruit and vegetable baskets for inspiration.
- Favor legumes : chickpeas, lentils, red beans... Inexpensive, filling and ultra-nutritious!
- Limit waste : cook leftovers, turn ratatouille into pasta sauce or leftover rice into a mixed salad.
- Buy in bulk or in large formats : this reduces costs in the long term and limits waste.
- Take advantage of promotions on useful equipment : an Air Fryer or a blender can quickly make your homemade meals profitable.
By combining these tips, you'll see that eating a balanced diet isn't an unattainable luxury.
Simple ideas to try this week
- Vitamin-packed breakfast: A homemade smoothie (banana, red fruits, plant-based milk) blended in 2 minutes with a blender and some oilseeds.
- Express Lunch: Mixed salad with chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil. Ready in less than 10 minutes.
- Friendly dinner: Barbecued chicken and vegetable skewers or quick pan-fried eggplant, peppers and scrambled eggs.
- Smart snack: Fresh fruit, nuts or plain yogurt with a little honey.
- And if you want to boost your energy for the start of the school year, check out our 10 tips for eating well for the start of the school year !
Frequently asked questions about balanced diets
Is it bad to skip a meal?
Not necessarily: if you're not hungry, it's best to listen to your body. But be careful not to snack endlessly afterwards. The key is to have a satisfying overall diet throughout the day.
Are frozen foods bad for your health?
Absolutely not! Frozen vegetables, for example, retain most of their vitamins. They're a good alternative out of season or when you're short on time.
Should we ban bread or starchy foods?
No! Starchy foods (whole-wheat bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, etc.) are important for energy. Ideally, choose whole-wheat versions and pair them with vegetables for satiety.
How to manage meals with family or friends?
Don't stress! Plan dishes to share (large salads, grilled meats, roasted vegetables) and allow yourself to try everything. The ambiance is as important as the menu for a balanced diet.
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