A healthy diet is essential for the overall well being and proper function of the body's daily routine. Eating healthy is not just about eating the right kinds of food but also balancing the types of food and nutrients you are eating. When you balance your diet it is easier to keep your blood sugar stabilized so you don't end up with energy crashes during your day or sudden strikes of hunger. This is where many diets fail. Often they will lack a particular nutrient that is essential for your body to properly function and that is needed for effective, long-term weight loss. The three biggest nutrients that are important to balance include protein, carbohydrates, and fat.
Protein is important for growth and reparation of muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, hair, nails, and skin. The highest source of protein is from meat and dairy products such as cheese, milk, eggs and all kinds of meats. Opt for lowfat dairy products, egg whites, and lean meats such as grilled chicken, baked fish, and lean ground turkey breast whenever possible so that you are also cutting out the unhealthy fats. Protein should make up about 30% of your daily calories and is important to helping you feel fuller longer.
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Carbohydrates (carbs) are what your body uses for the energy it needs, like a car needs gasoline. Without carbs your body won't have the fuel it needs to keep going. These include starches and sugars found in foods such as rice, pasta, fruit, potatoes, bread and cereal. Carbs should make up about 50-55% of your daily calories and you should never go to low for too long or you may start to notice the negative side effects of fatigue and irritability. Ultimately, a low carb diet is a hard one to maintain and unhealthy for the body, so make sure you are getting those necessary carbs from whole grain products and fresh produce.
Fats are also essential for the body; however, not all fats are created equal. Saturated and trans fats are not one in which you want to indulge. Saturated fats are those found in animal products such as dairy and fatty meats. They are the artery clogging fats to avoid. Trans fats are manmade and found in a variety of foods such as margarine, cookies, and crackers. Trans fats should be avoided completely. On the other hand healthy fats can be found in nuts, olive oil, flaxseeds, avocados and fish. These fats are beneficial to your body. When looking at food labels these are the monosaturated, polyunsaturated, and omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are necessary for the body and healthy in the right amounts. Fats should make up about 15-20% of your daily calories and should come from healthy sources as much as possible.
So it's important to balance your diet with the right amounts and kinds of protein, carbs, and fat so the body has all the nutrients and energy it needs. When the body is in balance it will be much easier to maintain a healthy eating regimen and ultimately lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Too much of any of these will turn to fat so it's important not to go overboard in any one area.
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Balance Your Diet - Protein, Fat, and Carbs
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