A balanced diet means getting the right types and adequate amount of foods and drinks to supply nutrition and energy for maintaining body cells, tissues and organs as well as for supporting optimal growth and development.
Eating a balanced diet means choosing a wide variety of foods and drinks from all classes of food which are carbohydrates, proteins, mineral salts, dietary fibre, fats and vitamins. It also means eating certain food in moderation such as saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, refined sugar, salt and alcohol. The goal is to take in nutrients that we need for health at the recommended levels.
Carbohydrates are important for providing energy. Carbohydrates can be found in grains.Whole grains are naturally high in nutrients and fibre which are good for us to start our first meal, breakfast with it so that we will have enough energy to start our daily routines.
Proteins is important too as it can help in tissues repairing and building. Protein also provides calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Protein can be found in dairy products, meat and beans. To limit our intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, eat more fish and vegetarian sources of protein such as peas and beans.
Dietary fibre is an important source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Consuming the right amount of fibre can avoid constipation too. Fibre can be found in vegetables and fruits.
Fats are the least that we need to take in food class. Oil provides us with beneficial fats too such as omega-3 which are important as our part of balanced diet. Healthy oils are found in olive, canola, fish oil, avocados and nuts. Solid fats such as butter and shortening should be limited or avoided as they are not healthy.
Eating a balanced diet can help us resist illness and disease which means we can save money on our medical bills as we will get most of the disease-fighting antioxidant and antibiotic that we need from a balanced diet. By eating a balanced diet, we will have no obesity problem and stay fit and healthy.
Eating a balanced diet is important for healthy body but it is better if we practise it with regular exercise.
