A balanced diet is one that provides the body with all the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals required to maintain cells, tissues and organs as well as to function correctly. Balanced diet also called a general diet, regular diet, full diet or complete diet, balanced diet is a food preparation which provides complete nutrients as well as supplies carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, mineral and fiber in their normal proportions. This chapter covers the elements and food groups in balanced diet, concepts of balanced diet, recommended dietary allowances, calculation of balanced diet for different group of people, effects of unbalanced diets, meal planning, budgeting of food, introduction to therapeutic diet, naturopathy and diet, and nurses’ role in balanced diet. The food pyramid divides the foods we eat into the categories of grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, meat and beans, oils and discretionary calories. Meal planning means planning diets, which will provide all nutrients in required amounts and proportions, i.e. adequate nutrition.