With the trend of being slim catching on, it is hardly surprising that people of all ages are resorting to anything which will knock off those extra kilos to look trim and fit.
However, what needs to be noted is that while being slim is considered good for your looks and health, what is important is how you manage to reach there and maintain it. And when it comes to diets that people usually follow, it has been noted that most, if not all individuals, tend to cut down on the foods that they take on a daily basis, thus reducing their normal diet to miniscule proportions.
While this may help you reduce weight, it would also pose a greater risk to your body in terms restricting the availability of essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that could with time give rise to several health related ailments.
The Difference Between A Normal Diet And A Well Balanced Diet
Eating healthy is not about cutting down on food and calories. Rather, it is all about choosing what you eat instead of how much you eat. A well balanced diet would provide your body with the essential nutrients it needs and still make you lose weight at the end of the day.
And that is why it is important to stress on certain points when opting for a well balanced diet that would work out in favor of your body.
Calorie Count
A healthy human body needs about 2000 calories on a daily basis. And so, when you decide to cut down your daily calorie count, make sure to not go below this level. If you exercise regularly, the amount of calories needed by your body would automatically increase. A calorie counter would help you determine how many calories your body would need on a daily basis and help you chart out your diet accordingly.
The Power Of Vegetables And Fruits
It pays to introduce fruits and vegetables in regular meals and snacks. Packed with plenty of vital nutrients, fruits and vegetables need to be eaten on a regular basis. And eating them this way would ensure that you get the daily quota of nutrients from them.
Essential Proteins And Carbohydrates
The body requires an adequate amount of proteins and carbohydrates for energy consumption. And so, it is considered wise to include foods high in good carbs and proteins in your diet. Accordingly, you can opt for foods like lean meats, oily fishes (like mackerel), and beans etc.
Too much of carbohydrates can be unhealthy for the body. Then again, too fewer carbohydrates can also be a problem. Make sure to add foods like whole grains, pasta etc. to your diet in order to get the amount of carbohydrates necessary for energy consumption.
Must Avoid: Sugars, Salts, Alcohol, Caffeine And Junk Foods
A healthy, well balanced diet would only contain the necessary amount of sugars and salts in it. And so, it is considered wise to stay away from excess sugars and salts. In addition to this, you would also need to reduce the intake of caffeinated products and alcohol.
These items would deplete the nutrients present in your body in addition to dehydrating you. If you find it hard to cut them out altogether, you can alternate with moderate amounts.
It also pays to remove all kinds of junk foods from your house once you start dieting. This would prevent you from gorging on these foods if and when you get sudden hunger pangs, in addition to diverting your attention to other, healthier options.
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