Which is one of the six accepted diet planning principles?

• A. Adequacy
• B. Carbohydrate cycling
• C. Protein overload
• D. Fad dieting

Answer: (A)

Adequacy means ensuring a diet provides enough of all essential nutrients and energy for the body's needs. This principle drives meal planning so you include a variety of foods that supply sufficient vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, and calories to support growth, repair, and daily function. By focusing on adequacy, meals and snacks are designed to prevent deficiencies and support overall health, rather than just cutting calories or chasing trends.

Carbohydrate cycling is a dietary strategy some people use to time carb intake, not a general principle of diet planning. Protein overload isn’t a standard principle and can be unnecessary or harmful if it displaces other nutrients. Fad dieting refers to trendy plans that often lack long-term sustainability and fail to ensure nutrient adequacy.