Meal Diversity

Definition

Meal diversity refers to including a variety of different foods and food groups in your meals to ensure a well-rounded diet.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Meal diversity is the range of food items and food groups consumed over a certain period, typically assessed as part of dietary diversity metrics. It is used to evaluate the adequacy of nutrition intake among individuals and populations, as diverse diets are more likely to provide essential nutrients in sufficient quantities.

Benefits

• Ensures a balanced intake of essential nutrients.
• Reduces the risk of nutritional deficiencies.
• Supports a healthy immune system.
• Promotes gut health by providing a variety of fiber sources.
• May lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Examples

• Including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein sources, and dairy in daily meals.
• Preparing a dinner with chicken, quinoa, steamed broccoli, and a side salad.
• Mixing up breakfast options with oatmeal, eggs, and a fruit smoothie.

Additional Information

• Importance: Meal diversity is important for ensuring adequate intake of different nutrients, which supports overall health and prevents malnutrition.

Related Terms

• Nutritional Diversity
• Dietary Variety
• Food Groups
• Balanced Diet

References

• Dietary Diversity and Nutrition. World Health Organization.
• The Importance of a Diverse Diet. Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.