When our meals are balanced, we’re healthier. By including enough fruits and vegetables on our plate, we reduce our risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When we fill up our bowl with adequate lean protein, we’re able to power through the day and are less likely to snack on high calorie foods later on. By consuming enough good fats, we can decrease our risk of cardiovascular problems and build healthy cell membranes and nerves, says Harvard Health. According to Healthline, selecting enough good carbs that are high in fiber can support a healthy gut and decrease cholesterol levels. Balanced nutrition can even help with our mental well-being, says ScienceDaily. The problem is that most Americans don’t get everything they need on their plate. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the average person only eats about one and half cups of vegetables per day, compared to the two t...