A balanced approach to healthy eating
As a nutritionist, I often witness the confusion surrounding healthy eating. Conflicting food guidelines and fad diets make it challenging to determine the best approach to consumption. Some of my clients believe that cutting out all indulgences is the only way to achieve optimal health. Others lean towards high-protein diets or become vegan to lose weight.
The Problem With Extreme Diets
The issue with eliminating food groups is that it can create deficiencies of essential nutrients. Restrictive diets can also lead to feelings of deprivation and trigger binge eating on unhealthy foods. A balanced approach to eating is the best way to ensure that your body receives all of the nutrients that it requires to maintain optimal health.
What Does A Balanced Diet Look Like?
A balanced diet is one that incorporates the right balance of macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients refer to the essential nutrients that our body needs in larger proportions, like carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Micronutrients, like vitamins and minerals, are essential in smaller amounts but are critical to our overall health.
When creating a balanced diet plan, I recommend the following guidelines:
- Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. The more colors, the better!
- Choose whole grains over processed grains. Examples include brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread.
- Incorporate lean proteins such as chicken, fish, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
- Limit added sugars and saturated fats in your diet.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary beverages such as soda and juice.
Eating a balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and improve your overall health.
Small Changes Can Make A Huge Impact
If you're struggling to make significant changes to your diet, start with smaller adjustments. Switch out white bread for whole wheat bread, drink an extra glass of water per day, incorporate a new vegetable into your meals. Every small change you make will have a positive impact on your health.
One of the biggest challenges I see my clients face is falling off the bandwagon. When we make drastic changes to our diet, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and revert to old habits. That's why I encourage all of my clients to take small steps towards achieving their dietary goals. Every small success will motivate you to keep going.
Final Thoughts
A balanced approach to healthy eating is essential for optimal health. Remember to incorporate a variety of foods to ensure that your body receives all of the nutrients that it needs. Start with small changes, and don't beat yourself up for slip-ups. Sustainable change takes time, but with diligence, you can achieve your dietary goals and maintain optimal health.