Diet And Weight Loss A Balanced Diet
 Over the last few decades more and more diseases have been linked to our dietary habits and the specific foods that we eat. We now know that, among other risk factors, poor diet is associated with heart disease, some cancers, obesity, hypertension, osteoporosis and anemia to name a few diseases and ailments. Surveys also show us that increasing numbers of meals as well as snacks are eaten away from the home, that we tend to graze throughout the day and that families rarely sit down to enjoy a meal together. People also talk about the stresses of modern day living, coping with ever-busier schedules and feeling unfit and unhealthy. Not surprisingly, all these things are linked and our feeling of well-being, as well as our physical appearance, is greatly influenced by what we eat. Frequent snacking on high-sugar and high-fat foods gives unhealthy peaks in blood sugar levels, leaves us short of essential vitamins and minerals, and spoils the appetite for more nutritious foods.
While we are probably all well aware of foods to steer clear of it, it can be confusing to work out what we should be eating. In a world of celebrity diets and fashionable food fads, uncovering what our bodies really need to stay healthy is a minefield. Food consists of nutrients that include carbohydrates, proteins and fats, as well as vitamins and minerals. Avoiding certain foods will protect your body - in particular your heart - from disease and becoming overweight. As obesity levels continue to soar; however; it is clear that the message of how to adequately enrich your body without barraging it with high levels of unsaturated fats and salt, has stayed a mystery to some. Without a doubt, there is a connection between eating well and looking good. A woman with a well-balanced diet has glowing skin, shiny hair and plenty of energy. If you don't have these attributes, look carefully at what you eat. However, this has to be balanced with a realistic expectation; although most of us are aware that organic foods (those produced without the use of pesticides) are likely to be better for our health, it isn't always possible or affordable to stick to.
 Dietary experts will always say that to deny yourself certain food groups will only contribute to making any eating plan difficult. It is okay to indulge in chocolate or biscuits every now and again, but if they make up a large proportion of what you eat in a day, your body is likely to show it in terms of high weight level and poor skin. Another reason that food can become our enemy instead of our friend is portion size. Your plate should never be overflowing or piled high. Once you have begun to eat oversize amounts, your expectation of how much food you actually need to function effectively becomes distorted. Bodies that are carrying excess weight just don't function properly. The joints are under considerable strain to bear execess weight as well as the heart, which needs to work harder to keep blood flowing around your body.
One of many excuses for not eating a healthy, balanced diet is lack of time, and with the ready availability of convenience foods, nutrition loses out in the time versus health dilemma. Planning ahead is the key to eating healthy foods - if there is nothing in the refrigerator it's all too easy to get a takeaway. Have a good stock of basic, healthy foods such as fresh vegetables and herbs, pasta, fruit and cheese, and throwing together a quick supper can take less time than waiting for your takeaway to be delivered.
 A useful way of deciding what you should eat is to think of the various food groups organized into a pyramid shape. The broad base of the pyramid includes breads (wholemeal rather than processed white breads), pasta (again, wholemeal is best), rice and other grains or foods made from grains. The majority of your daily food selections ought to come from this group. Fruits and vegetables make up the next layer, and you should try to eat five portions from this food group each day. Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheeses are included on the same tier as meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans and nuts. This group should be consumed in moderation. The top of the pyramid, representing the selection of foods you should use sparingly, includes fats, oils and sweets. Combined with regular exercise, this approach to eating is a good way of staying fit and healthy.
********************************************* A Balanced Diet - Essential Fats, Vitamins and Minerals |
