Healthy Diet - What Constitutes a Healthy Diet?Wikipedia defines “A " target="_self" healthy diet is one that is arrived at with the intent of improving or maintaining optimal health”. “This usually involves consuming nutrients by eating the appropriate amounts from all of the food groups, including an adequate amount of water.” The main benifits of a healthy diet are: 1. Improves your immune system 2. Increases energy levels, vitality and alertness 3. Decreases your risk of heart disease and diabetes 4. Helps you cope with stress A " target="_self" healthy diet is essential to live a healthy lifestyle. Having the correct nutrients can have a significant effect on your energy levels and vitality while decreasing the risks of disease. A healthy diet consists of meeting your daily calorie intake of the five major food groups with portion control of each food group totalling your necessary calorie intake. The five major food groups are: 1. Fruit 2. Vegetables 3. Lean meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts, legumes 4. Bread, cereals, rice, pasta 5. Milk, yogurt, cheese A healthy diet is also made up of portion control. The portion control of these five food groups are as follows: Carbohydrates: 6 - 8 What constitutes a serving size for these food groups to achieve a healthy diet? 1. Carbohydrates (6-8 serves daily) 2. Protein (4-6 serves daily) 3. Fat (1 serve daily) 4. Dairy (2-3 serves daily) 5. Fruit (2 serves daily) 6. Vegetables (5 serves daily) Vitamins and minerals Many people believe that they can eat what ever they like and can make it up by having vitamin and mineral supplements to make up for this, however this is not the case. Your body absorbes the nutrients in foods are more effectively than in supplements. Furthermore, a majority of supplements on the market are mainly made with fillers you urinate very quickly. A few things to remember: 1. Try and keep your BMI (Body Mass Index) in a healthy range 2. Try and eat plenty if fibre. 3. Have 8 glasses o water a day. A lack of water is the most common cause of tiredness 4. Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption 5. Reduce sugar intake Maintain these tips to maintaining a " target="_self" healthy diet and healthy lifestyle and you will be amazed at how good you will feel. |