Doctors and Nutritionists talk about eating a Balanced Diet, but what is a Balanced Diet?The Nutritional Value in our food is made up of:
Proteins
Fats
Carbohydrates
We need good muscles to be able to digest the food we eat. Then we have muscles that keep us upright so that we can walk and run.
Now this Protein is made up of blocks that interlock to form amino acids.
What Foods Contain Protein?Most dairy products, for example Meat, Milk, Cheese, Fish and Eggs are called Complete Proteins.
Egg whites are a complete protein as well.
Vegetarians, Vegans and others who do not eat Meat, Dairy Products or Fish, must make sure to eat the above foods in order to keep healthy.
Carbohydrates are converted into sugars and starches within the body.
Sugars are found in Fruits, Milk and Soft Drinks and Sweets
Complex Carbohydrates are found in Whole Grain Cereals, Flour, Bread, Rice, Corn, Oats, Potatoes and Legumes.
Too much Carbohydrate will, if we are not active enough, turn into fat, which is what happens when we put on weight.
So the lesser evil would be to fill up on the Complex Carbohydrates like Whole Grain and Cereals. In other words plants and nuts. These have the added advantage of also providing us with Proteins, so we get two for the price of one.
Saturated Fats tend to increase Blood Cholesterol levels.
Polyunsaturated Fats are found mostly in Plant Sources, Safflower, Sunflower, Soybean, Corn and Cottonseed.
Monounsaturated Fats can be found in both plant and animal products such as Olive Oil and in Avocado Pears.
Fats are a concentrated form of energy that helps maintain body temperature and protect Body Tissues and Organs.
An Example of Calories Used When Being Active
With a Calorie Controlled Balanced Diet, you will have more energy and feel good about yourself as the pounds and inches disappear.
Watch for my next article where I will talk about the importance of Vitamins and Minerals.
