Balanced Diets (LEARN Diet). A balanced weight loss diet is patterned after MyPlate
guidelines with a calorie distribution of approximately 50% carbohydrate, 30% fat, and 20%
protein—intakes within the ranges recommended by the Dietary Reference Intakes. A
similar diet, the Zone diet, is approximately 40% carbohydrate, 30% fat, and 30% protein.
A study by Gardner et al. (2010) showed no risk of vitamin or mineral inadequacies in
participants consuming a low-calorie diet similar to the Zone diet. In fact, the study noted
that participants had higher intakes of vitamins A, C, and E while on the Zone diet compared
to their baseline intakes. Tips for making healthy food choices while following a
balanced low-calorie plan are featured in Box 14.2.