def missing_balance(unbalanced_items, actual_split):
    """
    Get the required portions to complete balanced meals
    Args:
        unbalanced_items (dict): dictionary item_categ --> list of balanced portions
        actual_split (dict): dictionary item_categ --> ideal individual meal split 
    Returns:
        required_items (dict): dictionary item categ --> missing quantity
    """

    # Determine the category availability
    available_portions = {item_categ: len(unbalanced_items.get(item_categ, [])) for item_categ in actual_split}
    max_portions = max(available_portions.values())

    # Determine what we still need
    required_portions = {item_categ: max_portions - categ_count for item_categ, categ_count in available_portions.items()}

    return required_portions