To lead a healthy and happy life, it is essential to follow a balanced diet. It not only helps us to maintain good health but also helps us prevent diseases and quick recovery from illness. A healthy and balanced diet protects against malnutrition in all its forms.Eating unhealthy food and lack of physical activity are major risk factors for various diseases.

Nutritional requirements varies by a person's age, sex, body weight and physiological status. So, while adults need nutrients for ensuring optimal body functions, infants and children need nutrients for growth. Apart from this, they need 2-3 times the amount per kg body weight as compared to adults. Pregnancy and lactation also demands more nutrients for proper growth of the foetus.

The foods in the chart must be readily available in the market. For example, Avocado although is highly nutritious, it is neither readily available nor affordable for general people.

It needs to be easy enough to follow and abide by. Many Diet charts require tough length of fasting which is not easy for everyone. Some diet charts which do not permit social gathering dinner may people make anti-social.

It should be sustainable in the long run. Diet chart, which reduces weight by 5 kg within 1 week, might not sustain long enough. As fast the weight is lost, it is also gained faster after quitting diet plan.