No matter the season or holiday that’s approaching, we are constantly bombarded with products, services, and advertisements geared to weight loss. So many fad diets emerge and promise to grant us all of our wishes, but every method seems to have a track of its own. What we put into our bodies is a huge concern for our physical bodies and wellbeing.
To ensure that you are consuming a balanced and regular diet, follow these quick steps.
Include all food groups!
Can you list all of the food groups and examples for each? It’s time to learn. Carbohydrates are often shunned by many self-proclaimed health gurus. Don’t fall for restrictive fad diets that dissuade you from eating foods in every food group. You must eat protein, carbs, and fat every single day to maintain a balanced diet.
Get your ratios right
When it comes to eating from each food group, eating the correct amount of each is just as important as including them all in your daily diet. Depending on your health and wellness goals, the number of proteins, fats, and carbs that you intake each day will differ. For an active athlete, the diet generally consists of 60-70% carbs with equal portions of fat and protein. An average person maintaining a healthy body weight would typically aim to consume 40-5-% carbs and 30% protein with the remaining coming from healthy fats.
Don’t forget your micronutrients!
Micronutrients are important for disease prevention and keeping our bodily functions in order. Fruits and vegetables are always great go-to sources for micronutrients. Foods like meat and fish also pack tons of micronutrients. Each about 2 servings each day to maintain a balanced diet.
Be sure to eat whole, natural foods
Make sure you are eating natural, minimally processed foods that do not contain many artificial ingredients. Less is more when it comes to artificial ingredients—always be sure to read the nutrition labels.
Do not deprive yourself
The most important thing to know for maintaining a balanced diet is the difference between deprivation and limitation. Be mindful of your intake and keep your indulges in check, but don’t be afraid to give in to a craving every once in a while. Learn as much as you can about nutrition facts and what a healthy lifestyle entails for you, and allow yourself to order off the dessert menu when you want to.
It’s all about finding a personalized balance in your routine. Make it a sustainable diet that is easy to accommodate and incorporate into other meals. Stay committed to your fitness, health, wellness, and dieting goals, and magic will happen!
If you’re looking to hear more tips on maintaining a balanced diet, check out this article.