How To Achieve A Balanced Diet

We often hear that it is healthy to eat a balanced diet but have you ever wondered what a balanced diet contains? A balanced diet contains an adequate amount of all the nutrients the body needs to grow. These nutrients are grouped into 6; Fats, Protein, Carbohydrate, Vitamins, Minerals, and Fiber.

This doesn’t mean you have to select food items under this category for every meal. You just need to put in mind the classes of food you could take more seriously. A poor diet can lead to infections, fatigue, brain fog, and other health conditions as worse as leading to cancer or death. As humans, we need to be careful in selecting the kind of food we eat.

The following are ways to eat properly to achieve a balanced diet;

Healthy Fats: Incorporate sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil into your diet. These fats are important for brain health, hormone production, and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins.

Whole Grains: Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole wheat bread over refined grains are great choices. They provide sustained energy and are high in fibre, which aids digestion and helps you feel full longer.

Fruits and Vegetables: Aim to fill half your plate with colourful fruits and vegetables. These foods are rich in fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants, supporting immune function and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Lean Proteins: Lean protein such as poultry, fish, beans, tofu, and legumes should be added to most of your meals. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, as well as for maintaining healthy skin and hair.

Limit Processed Foods and Sugary Drinks: Minimize consumption of processed foods high in added sugars, salt, and unhealthy fats. Opt for water, herbal teas, or homemade smoothies instead of sugary sodas or energy drinks.

When you eat a balanced diet, you give your body the nutrients it needs for healthy functioning. A balanced Diet aids in increasing the ability to fight or resist diseases and leads to good physical and a good mental health.

Know that the transition to eating healthy is not sudden, it starts with a small change in your lifestyle.

Taiwo Adedeji