A nutritious diet will not only help you to regulate your weight and keep in shape but it will also ward off a plethora of diseases and health complications. The relationship between good nutrition and overall health and wellbeing is too important to ignore.
A nutritionally balanced diet is comprised of everything that your body needs to function, without containing too few or too many of any component. It will contain enough of the following:
- Protein for tissue growth and repair
- Energy from carbohydrates, protein and fat for fuel
- Fat for nerve functioning, hormone balancing and cell functioning
- Vitamins and minerals for various biochemical functions
- Fibre and probiotics for digestion
- Water and electrolytes to maintain hydration and nerve impulses
- Phytochemicals for immune system functioning
Quick tips for healthier eating
- Fruit or vegetables should be a staple in every meal, aim for at least five servings per day
- Eat at least two servings of oily fish per week
- Swap out processed white grains for brown whole grains
- Limit daily salt intake to six grams per day and use herbs and spices for flavour instead of added salt
- Limit alcohol consumption to less than 14 units per week
- Cut down on processed high-calorie snacks such as cakes, crisps, sweets and chocolate
- Avoid microwave meals and processed meats
- Avoid foods that are deep fried
- Learn to eat only until you feel comfortable and stop before you feel full
- Eat smaller meals more frequently
Changing your diet after years can be a daunting task, especially with the over-abundance of contradictory information available. By utilising these simple rules and making small changes, you can put an end to your bad nutritional habits, and feel great in the process.
