adjective / noun

dietary

DYE-uh-ter-ee/ˈdaɪəteri/

Relating to planned food intake.

This balanced plate follows dietary guidelines for a healthy meal.

A simple overhead food arrangement centered on a divided dinner plate containing vegetables, whole grains, and grilled fish, with fruit and a glass of water alongside.

Etymology

The base diaeta meant a prescribed way of life, with eating understood as part of that regimen. The adjective applies this connection specifically to food, nutrition, and eating habits.

In context

Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA/ÉLCV)4:58

relationship between determinance of and factors for food intake and then nutrition risk which occurs when someone's food and dietary intake does not meet recommendations for their age and gender

Factors associated with developing high nutrition risk: data from the CLSA

More examples

Please tell the caterer about any dietary restrictions.
Her doctor recommends dietary changes to lower her cholesterol.
The hospital's dietary includes meals with very little salt.

Forms

dietary · dietaries

diet noun — A person's usual or planned food intake.

Similar words

nutritional: Emphasizes nourishment and nutrients rather than a planned food intake.
regimen: A prescribed routine that may include more than food.