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7 keys to a healthy and balanced diet

Reading time:
approx. 4 Minutes


Keeping your body healthy is always a big responsibility that requires a lot of effort and important decisions. Living healthy doesn't just mean making sure your body and skin are healthy; it also means getting the right amount of nutrients from the food and drinks you consume.


A number of people use supplements to get a complete set of vitamins and minerals on a regular basis. It is also important to note that eating the right foods and exercising your body the right amount will work wonders. To get you started, here are the 7 keys to a healthy and balanced diet.


Proper portioning

A balanced diet is not only about eating healthy and nutritious foods, but also about eating the right amount of them. It's important to keep track of portion sizes and how many calories you're eating with each meal. Therefore, when you are eating outdoors, you need to remember to eat light meals on a regular basis so that you don't digest too many calories.


On the other hand, when it comes to packing your own meals, it's a good idea to use food containers that allow you to divide and portion your food properly. Knowing how much you'll be eating on a regular basis will help ensure you don't overeat and get a balanced amount of nutrients you need.


Add variety to what you eat

Eating healthy means eating the right foods in the recommended amounts. Still, that doesn't mean you should avoid some of your favorite foods and drinks. One of the best things about eating a healthy and balanced diet is being able to consume a wide variety of foods while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For example, vegetables as a side to your meat dish or fruit after a healthy meal. Variety in your meals not only means you can enjoy different flavors, but you also get a variety of vitamins and minerals that help your body.


Enjoy more whole grains



Grains make up a good part of a healthy diet. There are two types of grains: whole grains and refined grains.


For a healthier diet, it is best to consume more whole grains. Look for whole grains like bread, oats and barley. These food groups provide you with more fiber and nutrients than refined grains. Look for products labeled "100% whole grain" or "100% whole wheat" to make sure you are buying the right products. It is highly recommended that half of the grains you consume are whole grains to ensure a balanced and proper diet.


Watch your calcium and vitamin D

Good levels of vitamin D and calcium are important for bone health. Dairy products are good sources of calcium, while going out and getting sunlight early in the morning (before 10am) will ensure you get a good amount of vitamin D. If you're not getting the right amount of both nutrients daily, it's best to take supplements to make sure you're getting the right amount.


Consume less animal fat

While it is recommended to consume a good amount of meat in your diet, some meats contain saturated fats that add "bad" cholesterol to your body. However, you can easily limit and replace these saturated fats by including "good" fats such as nuts, fish and vegetable oils in your diet along with lean and skinless meats. Eating more "good" fats and calories will ensure that you consume less "bad" cholesterol, which can lead to some serious ailments in your body's circulatory system.


Eat less salt and sugar



Although salt and sugar are important components of almost every food you consume, too much of them can be unhealthy and lead to a variety of diseases, which include diabetes and heart disease. It's best to reduce the amount of snacks and sweets you consume on a daily basis and look for healthy alternatives to replace them. Consuming the right amount of salt and sugar will ensure that your body is well maintained and not at risk for serious diseases.


Enjoy the food you eat

Although it is important to be mindful of the food and drinks you consume, it is also important to enjoy the food you eat. Food is not only a way to get the right amount of daily nutrients, it is also a part of one's culture. It is a representation of culture, and being open to different types of cuisine is the best way to enjoy cooking and eating. It's also important not to rush when eating, because it can make you feel full without eating so much. Eating healthy is not just about being healthy on your own, but also enjoying the food you eat.


Conclusion

Eating a healthy and balanced diet as part of your lifestyle offers so many benefits to your body. It prevents various diseases and keeps your body functioning properly. Knowing the important keys to maintaining a healthy and balanced diet will allow you to live healthy and enjoy the food you consume.

More information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure that the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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