Image Source: Kimmana

A balanced diet helps in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and improves the overall health. In order to ensure the proper functioning of all the bodily functions adequate amount of grains, fruits, vegetables, proteins and dairy must be taken. The diet requirements varies from person to person, however if undesirable nutrients such as sugar and saturated fats are restricted, it would work wonders for the body.

Ways to achieve a healthy balanced diet:

• Don’t skip breakfast.
• Eat atleast three times a day.
• Take food in controlled potions.
• Restrict alcohol consumption.
• Consume food that is full of vitamins and minerals.

Components of a balanced diet:

A nutritious diet should contain sufficient amount of everything. So the following should be a part of your daily meal:

1. Dairy:

If we talk of the nutrient value of dairy products it is seen that they contain a considerable amount of calcium, protein and vitamin D. Cheese, milk, yogurt etc are included in this category. And incase you are allergic to dairy products then soy based products can also be a substitute.

2. Protein, fats and oils:

Remember the growing years when our mothers used to make us to gulp milk? Well, that was because proteins are required for the overall growth of the body. The food products that are rich in proteins are sunflower oil, fish, beans, lentils, eggs. Fats too are necessary for the proper functioning of our body if being consumed in right amounts. There are food items that have high prerequisite oil content. For e.g. half avocado contains three teaspoons of oil.

3. Fruits and dry fruits:

Fruits are endowed with all the qualities which are necessary for maintenance of our body. They are low in calories, fat free, high in fibre and extremely nutritious and delicious. Dry fruits are rich source of fibre and must be included in the daily food regime. But dried fruits and fruit juices are also a source of high calorie, so they must be taken in controlled potions.

4. Vegetables:

They usually contain the least calories and are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. The amount and type of vitamins varies and depends on the vegetable. So make sure to fill up your platter with various vegetables. Green leafy vegetables (offcourse we adore green peas!) contain high amount of vitamin K, which prevents haemorrhage and is responsible for blood clotting.

5. Grains :

Grains are abundant in carbohydrates. Whole grains are higher in fibre and vitamin B content compared to their white counterparts and should be preferred over them. Cereals, rice, bread are enriched with these and should be consumed on a regular basis.

All of this is taken on a regular basis, will lead to a healthier and a better life.

After all it’s quite aptly said that food is the most important part of a diet! So stay healthy and fit always. Period.