What percentage of a diet should come from lean meats and dairy products?

A well-balanced diet typically emphasizes a variety of food sources to ensure that all nutritional requirements are met. Lean meats and dairy products are important for providing essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, and various vitamins. The recommendation that approximately 25% of a diet should come from these sources aligns with dietary guidelines that emphasize the importance of a balanced approach.

Lean meats supply high-quality protein and can help in maintaining muscle mass, especially when combined with a proper exercise routine. Likewise, dairy products contribute to calcium intake, crucial for bone health, and provide other beneficial nutrients.

This percentage fits within broader dietary patterns that suggest about a quarter of daily caloric intake can be effectively allocated to these nutrient-dense foods without leading to excessive caloric consumption from fats or other less healthy options. This balance supports overall health while being mindful of weight control strategies.