Balanced Diet

Staying fit and active isn’t just about physically working out and being active, but it’s also about having a balanced diet. The body needs nutrients, vitamins and minerals to supply energy. Not all foods are all bad or all good, but having a balanced diet can reduce the risk of several serious health conditions such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and even depression.
There are 7 main components to a balanced diet; I will go over each one and give examples of foods that fit each category.
1. Carbs (50% of daily intake) – Carbs provide the body with energy. Grains such as wheat, corn, oats, rice, pasta and potatoes are all excellent sources of carbs.
2. Protein (10-35% of daily intake)– Protein aids the body with tissue growth and maintenance, which is why it is important to consume high amounts of protein after strenuous activity to aid the body in the recovery process. Protein is found in foods like meat, nuts, eggs, fish, tofu and soybeans.
3. Fat (20-35%) – Fat stores energy and contributes to hormone production. Fat can be found in dairy products like cheese, milk and yogurt, as well as in nuts, seeds, and plant oils.
4. Fiber – Fiber aids the body in regulating blood sugar and improving bowel function and health. Fiber can be found in foods such as peas, beans, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
5. Vitamins & Minerals – Aid in metabolic regulation and cell growth. Vitamins and minerals can be founds in a variety of vegetables and lean meats, as well as in nuts and seeds. Daily vitamin and mineral supplements can also be a great source as well.
6. Water – Drinking water daily is extremely important for the body’s overall hydration because only 20% of water intake comes from food, so that means that the other 80% of water intake comes from actually drinking water. It is recommended that women intake 2.7 liters of water per day, and 3.7 liters for men.

Having a balanced diet can not only help you see results throughout your fitness journey, but it can also give you more energy and make you feel good too!

Source: https://i-base.info/guides/side/diet-a-balanced-diet-and-your-health