We usually think that we eat to relieve hunger or to enjoy the foods we like, but in reality, nutrition is a much more critical issue. Food has a strong impact on our not only physical, but also mental and spiritual health. "What are you eating." Although this sentence may sound a bit cliche, it may be one of the truest observations ever made about human health.
Looking at all this, we can say that a balanced diet plays an important role in leading a more balanced life.
So what does a balanced diet mean?
What can we focus on to create a balanced nutrition program?
Let's look at the answers to these questions together.
What is a balanced diet?
The human body needs many nutrients to sustain its life and development. A balanced diet, which is the main rule for living a healthy and long life, means consuming all the nutrients the body needs on a regular basis.
The human body needs many nutrients to sustain its life and development. A balanced diet, which is the main rule for living a healthy and long life, means consuming all the nutrients the body needs on a regular basis.
- No food group can fully satisfy the needs of the body, so it is necessary to create a nutritional regime in which all nutrients are received in the correct proportion to the body.
- Neglecting one of the nutrients or consuming more than necessary can cause various health problems. In order to decide what and how much to eat, you need to know all the nutrients and the body's needs.
What should a balanced diet be?
When you look at the variety of food in nature, you may have some questions about a balanced diet. But when you know the food groups, you can understand how to consume this variety in balance.
Foods are divided into 5 different categories according to their structure and functions in the body. Composed of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals, each category contains nutrients that meet different needs of the body. The amount of consumption of these foods is decided based on many factors such as age, gender, health status and daily energy needs of the individual.
Let's briefly introduce these five nutrients according to their order in the balanced nutrition pyramid:
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates provide most of our energy needs. Foods in the grain group, fruits and vegetables and legumes belong to this class. The base of the balanced nutrition pyramid is grains and legumes, followed by fruits and vegetables.
Carbohydrates are divided into two categories under the simple and complex headings:
Simple carbohydrates like sugar can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar, which can make you feel hungry in the short term and make you want to eat more. This means that fat accumulates in the cells, leading to obesity and diabetes.
In contrast, the complex carbohydrates found in legumes and whole grains prolong the feeling of satiety and help you feel more alive and energetic, even if you eat less food.
Proteins
Proteins provide about 15% of our daily energy needs. Proteins play a leading role in the development of the muscle and bone system.
Milk and milk products and foods included in the meat group make up proteins of animal origin. This group is on the third level of the food pyramid.
There are also plant-based proteins. This group consists of grains and legumes at the base of the food pyramid. For more information, see What Are Vegan Protein Sources? You can review our article.
Oils
A healthy human body is about 18% fat, although this varies between men and women. Although it seems that it is necessary to stay away from it, in fact, fats are one of the main needs of the body. At the top of the food pyramid are fats and sugars. These foods should be consumed in small quantities.
You can protect your health by consuming plant-based unsaturated fats, such as olive oil and sunflower oil, instead of animal-based saturated fats. You should also stay away from solid fats as much as possible, even if they are of vegetable origin.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are also very important in a balanced diet. This group, which contains dozens of different nutrients, is actively involved in all the activities of your body. For example; Vitamin D and phosphorus are responsible for bone health, and the mineral iron is responsible for oxygen in the blood reaching the tissues. You should not neglect any item of this food group in a healthy and balanced diet. Each food in the food pyramid contains different vitamins and minerals. By consuming them regularly and in a balanced way, your body's vitamin and mineral needs will be met.
Herbalife balanced nutritional supplements
The Energy program by Herbalife Nutrition is a delicious plan designed to provide energy for the whole day. This program helps you develop both physically and mentally through a combination of balanced nutrition and physical activity.
Herbalife Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix : Balanced nutrition with sufficient amount of protein is the basis for normal functioning of the whole body. Protein is a source of energy and provides a feeling of satiety for a long time.
Herbalife Herbal Tea Concentrate : Formulated with 6 phytocomponents, it is very tonic and helps you stay energetic. Black tea extract improves mental activity, provides the ability to process and absorb information, relieves fatigue, and caffeine strengthens the tonic effect and supports metabolism.
Herbalife Herbal Aloe Concentrate : Herbal Aloe Drink is a daily support for your digestive system, providing hydration to the digestive tract and supporting beneficial intestinal microflora, as well as helping to remove toxins and waste from the body.
Herbalife Formula 2 Multivitamin Complex : Vitamin and mineral complex for men and women. It contains all the necessary trace elements that help the body stay healthy and active. To obtain optimal levels of micronutrients, take two capsules of Formula 2 with the Formula 1 Protein shake.
Herbalife Active Fiber Complex : made with a complex of high-quality dietary fibers. These fibers support the natural function of the intestine and maintain its healthy microflora. One serving provides 20% of your daily fiber needs.
This delicious plan is a perfect choice for those who want to boost their energy levels and lead a healthy lifestyle.
Bless you! Eat healthy!