Your diet is one of the most important parts of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. One of the best options for your health is to eat what is called a “balanced diet” that gives your body all the nutrients it needs—and a chicken dinner can certainly fit in as part of a balanced diet. Here’s what you should know.

What Is a Balanced Diet?

A balanced diet includes several different types of foods to ensure that your body gets all the essential nutrients. A healthy diet should consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins. These foods provide various vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.

A healthy diet also accounts for your individual calorie needs. Calories provide the energy your body and mind need for the day, with the average recommendation being roughly 2,000 calories per day. Your calories should come from nutrient-rich foods from the groups highlighted above, rather than low-nutrient “junk” foods like chips or cake.

How Chicken Fits In

Chicken is considered a lean protein thanks to its lower fat content compared to other types of meat. A chicken dinner is an excellent source of protein and other essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, iodine, and zinc. These nutrients support your immune system, muscle development, nervous system health, and more. Unprocessed, lean cuts of meat are best, as they are lower in salt and saturated fat. 

It is generally recommended that you have one to three servings of lean protein a day. In addition to chicken, this could include nuts, beans, fish, eggs, or lean red meat.

Ensure your family enjoys a balanced diet by relying on Lee’s Chicken Restaurant in Lincoln, NE, for a delicious and healthy chicken dinner. In business since 1945, this homestyle restaurant uses fresh ingredients to create delicious comfort food, all offered in an inviting environment. To learn more about their menu and catering services, visit them online or call (402) 477-4339.