So, What Exactly Is A "Healthy Diet"?

There seems to be a lot of confusion around what constitutes a “healthy diet”. It’s actually very simple. A healthy diet is one that provides the body with the right amounts of all the essential nutrients it needs from a variety of different food sources.

You may be asking: “what does my body need?” Your body needs an adequate combination of essential nutrients- water, carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients enable your body to work efficiently and keep you in good health.

Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy. The body converts carbohydrates into glucose, which fuels our body cells. Vegetables are the most healthy source of carbohydrates.

Proteins are broken down into amino acids. Although they may be used by the body for energy, their main role is as the building blocks of tissue growth and repair. Healthy protein sources include lean meat and eggs.

Fats are a rich source of energy and help in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Essential fatty acids cannot be made by the body and must be obtained from food. The healthiest fat sources include nuts, fish, and vegetable based oils (excluding corn oil).

Water makes up 65 percent of the body. It is constantly being lost through sweat, digestion, breathing, sweating, and urine. It’s critical that water be replenished at regular intervals.

Minerals are present in a wide variety of foods. They’re vital for building bones, hair, skin, and blood cells. They enhance nerve function and help food turn into energy. Deficiencies can cause chronic health problems.

Vitamins are vital to the body’s metabolic processes, especially those linked to tissue growth and maintenance. Most vitamins can’t be stored in the body, so regular intake through a balanced diet is essential. A lack of vitamins can lead to disease.

If you eat a diet that is limited to a variety of protein, vegetables, and fat, and drink water when you’re thirsty, you will get the nourishment you need (including the essential vitamins and minerals) to keep your body healthy at a cellular level and maintain a healthy body weight. It turns out that a “healthy diet” isn’t complicated or confusing at all.

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