05/05/2011
:: EATING RIGHT:The essence of a balanced diet ::
The essence of a balanced diet
Balanced diet, a word often used by nutritionists, dieticians and professionals in the medical field, is still seen by many as difficult to meet given our busy lives. Most people understand that a balanced diet is important to maintain a healthy body and that a variety of foods is essential to providing nutrients that the body needs to remain healthy and efficient.
The nutritional value of a person's diet depends on the overall mixture, or balance of food that is eaten over a period of time, as well as on the needs of the individual. A diet which includes a variety of different foods is most likely to provide all the essential nutrients.
The focus here is to identify what foods contain nutrients we, as adults need, as well as our active kids, for their proper growth and daily functioning. While bearing in mind, the need to strike the right balances among carbohydrates, proteins and fat, for feeding on too much fat could lead to overweight and obesity; too little protein could lead to impaired growth and body repair problems; and too much sugary foods and drinks can lead to poor dental hygiene. It sheds light on how to combine the right foods to provide the adequate amount of nutrients; with inexpensive everyday foods and in little time.
TIPS TO HEALTHY EATING;
" Try to have at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Remember that beans, pulses and fruit juice count towards your total but can only be counted once in any one day.
" Base your meals on starchy foods such as breakfast cereals, oats, bread, potatoes, rice, noodles, eba, semovita and pasta. Try not to add too much fat.
" Choosing moderate amounts of meat and fish, removing skin from chicken, excess fat from meat and minimizing frying.
" Have 3 portions of dairy foods such as a pot of yogurt or calcium-fortified soya milk. Try to choose semi-skimmed or skimmed milks, low fat yogurts, and reduced fat cheeses.
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Moms kitchen offers delicious and nutritious meals! We deliver to your office in Ikoyi, V.I. or LEKKI. Contact us today- [email protected] / 07089213435
