How should my diet be?

Are you tired of feeling sluggish, bloated, and just overall yucky? Are you ready to take control of your health and wellness through the power of food? Well then buckle up buttercup because today we’re talking about how your diet should be.

The Basics

First things first, let’s break down what a healthy diet means. Healthy diets are those that consist primarily of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits and vegetables. It’s best to choose whole grains over refined ones that have been stripped of much-needed vitamins and minerals. You want to aim for lean proteins like chicken or fish while limiting saturated fats found in processed meats or fried foods.

It’s also important not to forget about a little thing called water. Staying hydrated is key; however, gulping down gallons on end isn’t necessary either – everything in moderation!

Understanding Macronutrients

To put it simply, there are three main macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates (or ‘carbs’), and fat. Each one serves its own purpose within our bodies so we need them all in varying amounts throughout our lives.

Protein

Proteins contain amino acids which aid in muscle building and repair throughout the body making it essential for growth during childhood but still important as adults especially if you’re active. Animal sources often offer more than plant-based options (sorry vegans) with whole eggs being the perfect package containing all nine essential amino acids needed by humans(yolk too, contrary to popular belief).

If animal products aren’t an option fear not! Plant-based sources exist including tofu (aka bean curd), lentils/beans,(there are more types than Heinz offers) quinoa(keen-what??), hemp seeds(we promise this won’t get you high) amongst others combining any which provide all nine essential amino acids eg.. Peanut butter sandwich (hello childhood!)!

Carbs

Carbohydrates, their sugar molecules strung together, provide us with the energy needed to sustain our daily activities. Simple carbs are those found in obvious places like candy and pop-tarts (yum) while more complex ones are usually lurking in healthy sources like vegetables, legumes and whole-grain bread.

It’s important to distinguish between natural/carb-healthy options versus processed/Pablo-Unhealthiness versions (looking at you ‘white-flour everything’) More complex carbohydrates that contain soluble fiber (think oats) help keep blood sugars stable throughout the day and can maintain a healthy gut microbiota by nourishing good stomach bacteria (Go team!)

Fats

The mention of fat sends shivers down the backs of many but I’m here to tell ya – we need it! They serve as energy storage units within our body along with insulating vital organs from trauma.

Though still fitting into a healthy diet;be careful not get carried away.. fats helps us feel fuller for longer though have double the calories per gram compared to protein or carbohydrate.

There are many types of fats including unsaturated (found in nuts/seeds/tofu etc.) which offer cardio-protective qualities unlike saturated/palm-oil-based options readily incorporated late-night binges causing temporary bliss followed by crummy guilt ( ughs hollywood tears welling up).

How Much Should You Eat?

Everyone is unique so there isn’t an exact answer Sadly… However one way this skillfully sensed issue has been tackled is through caloric intake calculators followed by determination appraisals especially if you want an “alternative” look. Once aware most use websites/apps.. users either happy-go-lucky thinking 2500kcal/day needs no restraint or cautious fainthearted believing starvation hidden within focusing on lower limits than prescribed . Also just because you can eat certain amount of calories doesn’t necessarily means that you should eat an equal size portion of ice cream…a spoonful will do (who-I-am- kidding here?)

It also helps to look at your current lifestyle and adjust accordingly. Generally, a sedentary person requires fewer calories than someone with higher activity levels(Figures) , like a triathlete or lumberjack (or both!).

Tips for Making Healthy Meals

Creating healthy meals sounds daunting right off the bat but fret not, it’s easier than you think! Here are some tips and tricks to help get those creative juices flowing:

  • Meal prep: Prepping ingredients ahead of time makes mealtime less stressful plus come on!! Who wants more dishes when famished.

  • Don’t be scared – Challenge yourself with different recipes from cultures around the world. Unfamiliar foods may surprise you!

  • Plan easy fallbacks – Canned chickpeas/lentils can always make for added protein in salad/soup/stew options.

Be innovative – switch up traditional bases/vegetables.. hummus/pumpkin puree/butternut squash /cauliflower rice all make good alternatives.

In conclusion if every feeding episode meant veggie-rice-as-lone-diet staple then no one would remain healthy forever; however including variety by changing colours/textures/preparations increases palate stimulation encouraging an overall feeling of satisfaction & gratitude filled-well being!

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