As well as regular exercise, the key to becoming and staying healthy is to eat a balanced diet. A balanced diet is one that has the right amounts of protein, dairy, carbohydrates, vitamins, and even some fats. What does this all mean when it comes to eating well?
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a fantastic source of energy and should ideally make up around 60 percent of someone’s diet. Most of your energy will come from carbohydrates (or carbs), and if you are an active person, then this is what will keep you going. Perfect sources of carbs include wheat, pasta, rice, and potatoes.
Protein
The easiest way to get enough protein in your diet is to eat plenty of lean meat, although there are other ways to get your protein if you are a vegetarian or a vegan, or can’t eat meat for religious reasons, including supplements such as Clean Whey Protein. Protein helps to keep your skin healthy and your hair growing. It also helps to build muscles, which is another reason why a supplement can be useful for those who want to become fitter and stronger.
Vitamins
There are 13 different vitamins, each one giving the body something useful so that it can thrive and stay as healthy as possible. The most important vitamins are A, B, C, and D. Vitamin A is good for your vision, and your immune system. Vitamin B is good for the skin, the eyes, and the nervous system. Vitamin C also helps the immune system, as well as healing wounds faster, and maintaining healthy bones and cartilage. Finally, vitamin D (easily gained from the right amount of sunlight) is great for bones, teeth, and muscles. Fruit and vegetables in the right quantities are an excellent source of vitamins.
Minerals
Going hand in hand with vitamins are minerals. Minerals help to break down food and release energy, and they interact with your internal organs to keep them healthy. Iron, for example, is an energy enhancer, and calcium promotes strong teeth and bones. The most important minerals to have in your diet (and can be obtained from fruit and vegetables) are calcium, iron, potassium, sodium, and iodine.
Fiber
Fiber is another useful tool when it comes to ensuring that you don’t eat too much. When consumed in the right quantities, fiber fills you up and stops you from over-eating. It also keeps your cholesterol levels regulated. It’s found in vegetables, oatmeal, bran, cereals, and eggs amongst other things.
Unsaturated Fats
It’s an easy assumption to make that all fats are bad and you should avoid them. However, some fats are required to make up a fully balanced diet, these are unsaturated fats and come from dairy products, meat, and fish. They help to keep the body’s temperature in check and ensure that vitamins are absorbed correctly. They even allow for energy to be released slowly, which keeps us moving around for longer without feeling the need to top up with a snack.