Which of the following is a suggested approach to help maintain healthy weight?

Maintaining calorie balance over time is a key component in achieving and sustaining a healthy weight. This approach focuses on matching calorie intake with calorie expenditure, which is essential for metabolic health and preventing weight fluctuations. When individuals maintain this balance, they can enjoy a variety of foods while still managing their weight effectively.

By focusing on calorie balance, individuals can incorporate all food groups into their diets, promoting a well-rounded nutritional profile that includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. This flexibility helps prevent feelings of deprivation that often accompany more restrictive diets, making it easier to adhere to long-term.

In contrast, drastically reducing all calorie intake can lead to nutrient deficiencies, loss of muscle mass, and a slowed metabolism. Consuming only fats and proteins can also result in an imbalanced diet, lacking necessary carbohydrates and fibers. Additionally, limiting all food, including beverages, can lead to an unsustainable approach to eating, which may foster unhealthy relationships with food. Therefore, achieving a calorie balance not only supports weight maintenance but also fosters a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.