why balanced diet is important

About why is a balanced diet important

why balanced diet is important ?A balanced diet and regular physical activity are the building blocks of good health. Poor eating habits and too little physical activity can lead to being overweight and bring along related health problems. By eating right and being active we can maintain a healthy lifestyle.A balanced diet and regular physical activity are the building blocks of good health. Poor eating habits and too little physical activity can lead to being overweight and bring along related health problems. By eating right and being active we can maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here we will focus more on a healthy diet as what we eat largely affects our health. 

A balanced diet gives your body the nutrients it needs to function correctly. To get the nutrition you need, most of your daily calories should come from:

• fresh fruits
• fresh vegetables
• whole grains
• legumes
• nuts
• lean proteins

About calories

The number of calories in a food refers to 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 about 2,000 calories every day to maintain their weight, but the amount will depend on their age, sex, and physical activity level.

Males tend to need more calories than females, and people who exercise need more calories than people who don’t.

Current guidelinesTrusted Source list the following calorie intakes for males and females of different ages:

Person	Calorie requirements
Sedentary children: 2–8 years	1,000–1,400
Active children: 2–8 years	1,000–2,000
Females: 9–13 years	1,400–2,200
Males: 9–13 years	1,600–2,600
Active females: 14–30 years	2,400
Sedentary females: 14–30 years	1,800–2,000
Active males: 14–30 years	2,800–3,200
Sedentary males: 14–30 years	2,000–2,600
Active people: 30 years and over	2,000–3,000
Sedentary people: 30 years and over	1,600–2,400

Count Your Calories

Do not eat more calories than you can use in a day. Every excess calorie you eat may turn into body fat. Instead, make sure your portion sizes fit your built and the amount of exercise you get. A small woman with a desk job should have far smaller portions than a professional footballer. Try to have low-fat foods so you get all the nutrients you need without excess fat.

Not all Fats are Equal

Fat is an important nutrient and is essential to our health. It provides us energy, is important for our growth and maintenance, helps insulate body heat, it is essential for the absorption of Vitamin A, D, E and K, serves as a source of essential fatty acids, holds body organs in position and protects us against damage from physical shocks! With so much going for it, it will be very wrong to eliminate Fats from your diet. The nutrition principle to keep in mind is that there are no bad foods, only bad diets. Healthy eating comes from enjoying all things in moderation, as part of a balanced diet.

Proteins for Better Growth and Development

Proteins form the body’s main structural elements. Our body uses Proteins for growth and to build and repair bones, muscles, connective tissues, skin, internal organs and blood. Hormones, antibodies and the enzymes that regulate the body’s chemical reactions are all made up of Proteins. Without the right Proteins, blood will not clot properly and cuts will not heal well. More so if Carbohydrates and Fats can not meet your energy needs, Proteins can be broken down and used as a source of emergent energy.

Do You Like to Move It?

And finally, keep moving! Exercise is a must if you want to stay healthy. Children need at least an hour, while adults need thirty minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise, most days a week. If you keep fit it will help keep your weight down, your body in shape and you will feel and look much better.