VNandhini Nutrilite

What is a balanced diet?

A balanced diet is one that gives your body the nutrients it needs to function correctly. To get the proper nutrition from your diet, you should consume the majority of your daily calories in: • fresh fruits • fresh vegetables • whole grains • legumes • nuts • lean proteins

About calories The number of calories in a food is a measurement of the amount of energy stored in that food. Your body uses calories from food for walking, thinking, breathing, and other important functions. The average person needs to eat about 2,000 calories every day to maintain their weight. However, a person’s specific daily calorie intake can vary depending on their age, gender, and physical activity level. Men generally need more calories than women, and people who exercise need more calories than people who don’t. The following examples of daily calorie intake are based on United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines: • children ages 2 to 8 years: 1,000 to 1,400 calories • girls ages 9 to 13 years: 1,400 to 1,600 calories • boys ages 9 to 13 years: 1,600 to 2,000 calories • active women ages 14 to 30 years: 2,400 calories • sedentary women ages 14 to 30 years: 1,800 to 2,000 calories • active men ages 14 to 30 years: 2,800 to 3,200 calories • sedentary men ages 14 to 30 years: 2,000 to 2,600 calories • active men and women over 30 years: 2,000 to 3,000 calories • sedentary men and women over 30 years: 1,600 to 2,400 calories

The source of your daily calories is just as important as the number of calories you consume. You should limit your consumption of empty calories, meaning those that provide little or no nutritional value. The USDA defines empty calories as calories that come from sugars and solid fats, such as butter and shortening. According to the USDA, Americans consume empty calories most often in: • bacon • sausages • cakes • cheese • cookies • doughnuts • energy drinks • fruit drinks • ice cream • pizza • sports drinks and sodas

Why a balanced diet is important A balanced diet is important because your organs and tissues need proper nutrition to work effectively. Without good nutrition, your body is more prone to disease, infection, fatigue, and poor performance. Children with a poor diet run the risk of growth and developmental problems and poor academic performance, and bad eating habits can persist for the rest of their lives. Learn more about healthy meal plans for kids. Rising levels of obesity and diabetes in America are prime examples of the effects of a poor diet and a lack of exercise. The Center for Science in the Public Interest reports that 4 of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States are directly influenced by diet. These are: • heart disease • cancer • stroke • Diabetes.

Balanced Diet for Women A woman’s nutritional requirements differ from men. For example, a woman requires more iron than man due to her monthly menstrual cycles. Here, is a chart with 5 meals provided for women. Breakfast – Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Fill up your breakfast meal with protein like 2-3 scrambled egg whites with a whole grain toast and a fruit of your choice or a bowl of fruit oats porridge with sprouts salad. Protein kickstarts your metabolism and keeps you feeling fuller for longer during the day. Mid-morning Snack – A fistful of dried fruit combined with nuts or seeds, provides protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied till lunch. Combining the dried fruits with nuts helps in controlling the release of sugars in the body. Lunch – Choose carb-rich foods that will supply energy and protein like a bowl of dal/chicken/fish curry with brown rice or roti and a veg salad. You could also include beans or chicken sandwich with plenty of veggies. Snack– Having a snack will keep your energy levels up and you can choose from a variety of nourishing options like Apple cinnamon granola bar or Nature Valley’s granola bar or you can have a fistful of nuts. Dinner– The supper of the day should be a combination of protein and carbs. You can include oily fish which are rich in omega 3 fatty acids like mackerel, salmon which is beneficial for healthy hair and skin. Fill up your dinner bowl with a variety of colourful veggies. Chicken/fish/paneer with roti /chila/ quinoa preparations and soup or salad with veggies. Bedtime – A glass of low-fat milk with a pinch of elaichi.

Balanced diet for men Men should have a proper healthy diet that will help build up their stamina and keep them active throughout the day. Breakfast – Kickstart your metabolism by starting the day with breakfast filled with protein. If you are a gym person, you should definitely have a protein rich breakfast for muscle repair and recovery. You can include veg poha with eggs or chila with chutney or khichdi /upma with veggies and sprouts salad. Eggs are the best choice as it will give you energy for the whole day. Confused about what is better egg whites or whole egg? Know the truth behind egg nutrition. Snack – Craving for savoury foods? Opt for nuts and seeds or you can have a fruit bowl with nuts. You can have a look at the fruit bowl with the nuts recipe here! Lunch – You can make a mix of foods with carbs and protein. Opt for rice with dal, chicken or paneer. You can also have a sandwich topped with chicken or fish with plenty of salads and boiled veggies. Snack – You can choose snacks that are vital for satisfying your energy levels. You can have an avocado salad or Apple cinnamon granola bar. Dinner – Combine carbohydrates with essential fats which your body can use for overnight growth and repair. Have a bowl of cooked quinoa with chicken curry and lightly sauteed veggies. You can also have roti with veggies and a dal soup or chicken soup.

How to achieve a balanced diet At the core of a balanced diet are foods that are low in unnecessary fats and sugars and high in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. The following food groups are essential parts of a balanced diet. Fruits

Besides being a great source of nutrition, fruits make tasty snacks. Choose fruits that are in season in your area. They’re fresher and provide the most nutrients. Fruits are high in sugar. This sugar is natural, though, so fruit can still be a better choice for you than other foods with added sugar. If you’re watching your sugar intake or have a condition such as diabetes, you may want to opt for low-sugar fruits. Read on to learn about the 11 best low-sugar fruits, from citrus to peaches. People who are watching their carbohydrate intake may reach for fruits such as melons and avocadoes. Vegetables

Vegetables are primary sources of essential vitamins and minerals. Dark, leafy greens generally contain the most nutrition and can be eaten at every meal. Eating a variety of vegetables will help you obtain the bountiful nutrients that all vegetables provide. Examples of dark leafy greens include: • spinach • kale • green beans • broccoli • collard greens • Swiss chard

Grains According to the USDA, Americans consume refined white flour more than any other grain. Refined white flour has poor nutritional value because the hull of the grain, or outer shell, is removed during the refining process. The hull is where the majority of the grain’s nutrition lies. Whole grains, however, are prepared using the entire grain, including the hull. They provide much more nutrition. Try switching from white breads and pastas to whole-grain products. Proteins

Meats and beans are primary sources of protein, a nutrient that is essential for proper muscle and brain development. Lean, low-fat meats such as chicken, fish, and certain cuts of pork and beef are the best options. Removing the skin and trimming off any visible fat are easy ways to reduce the amount of fatand cholesterol in meats. The health and diet of the animal are important and influence the fatty acid profile of the meat, so grass-fed choices are ideal. Nuts and beans are good sources of protein and contain many other health benefits, as well as fiber and other nutrients. Try to eat: • lentils • beans • peas • almonds • sunflower seeds • walnuts

Tofu, tempeh, and other soy-based products are excellent sources of protein and are healthy alternatives to meat. Dairy Dairy products provide calcium, vitamin D, and other essential nutrients. However, they’re also major sources of fat, so it may be best to choose small portions of full-fat cheeses, and reduced-fat or fat-free milk and yogurt. Plant-based milks, such as those made from flaxseed, almonds, or soy are typically fortified with calcium and other nutrients, making them excellent alternatives to dairy from cows. Oils Oils should be used sparingly. Opt for low-fat and low-sugar versions of products that contain oil, such as salad dressing and mayonnaise. Good oils, such as olive oil, can replace fattier vegetable oil in your diet. Avoid deep-fried foods because they contain many empty calories. The USDA has an online checklist that can help you determine how much of each food group you should consume daily.

Besides adding certain foods to your diet, you should also reduce your consumption of certain substances to maintain a balanced diet and healthy weight. These include: • alcohol • refined grains • solid fats • saturated fats • trans fats • salt • sugars

If you have questions about your diet or feel that you need to lose weight or change your eating habits, schedule an appointment with your doctor or a dietitian. They can suggest dietary changes that will help you get the nutrition you need while promoting your overall health.