What we put into our bodies is so crucial to how it functions. You have to put the right things in if you want your body to operate properly. Doing so will allow you to maintain a healthy weight, lower your body fat, increase your energy, and make you feel better overall. So what is a balanced diet? According to the Food Standards Agency, a balanced diet consists of a variety of foods that base meals on starchy foods and consuming a minimum of five fruits and vegetables per day. Their definition also recommends having at least two portions of fish per week, moderating your protein intake and also including the occasional amount of food that is high in fat or sugar.
Now, this is just one definition of what balanced nutrition looks like. You don’t have to follow this particular one in order to stay healthy. There are many ways to keep up with a well-balanced lifestyle of healthy eating, and there are so many benefits to doing so. Let’s look at some of these benefits that show how important it is to maintain a balanced diet.
Reduced Risk of Illness
By eating the right foods, you are reducing your risk of many chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Diets that are high in trans-fats increase the risk of atherosclerosis, which is a serious risk factor for cardiac arrest and stroke. In order to protect you from these kinds of diseases, you want to make sure that your diet includes foods that are high in vitamins A, C, and E. They should also be rich in selenium, potassium, fiber and other essential fatty acids.
Decrease in Depression
There was a study that showed a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and high-quality meats and fish could help fight depression and anxiety. The cross-sectional study reported that women who were eating a well-balanced diet were less likely to develop depression. It also showed that those whose diet was high in refined flours and processed food were at a greater risk to develop depression.
Increase in Energy
Calories are the unit of measure that the body stores for energy. So, by having a well-balanced diet, you will provide your body with the right kind of energy and maximize your nutrient intake. This healthy lifestyle will keep your physically and mentally motivated. Make sure you include the building blocks for this energy which are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These macronutrients are going to fuel your body and help you gain the most energy and get the most out of your meals.