Healthy and Balanced Diet

Healthy & Balanced Diet


What is a Healthy & Balanced Diet ?

A healthy and balanced diet provides your body essential nutrients , vitamins , and minerals that ensures proper body functioning. It consists variety of food types , such as :

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    Fruits and Vegetables 

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    Whole Grains

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    Healthy Fats

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    Proteins

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    Proper Water Intake


These foods provide essential nutrients , antioxidants, and fiber that support optimal bodily functions, boost energy levels, and help prevent chronic diseases. A well-balanced diet also involves limiting or avoiding excessive intake of processed and sugary foods, saturated fats, and salt.


Components of a Balanced diet


  • Carbohydrates provide energy. They are found in foods like grains, fruits, and vegetables. Healthy options include whole grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables.

  • Healthy fats are essential for brain function and cell structure. They can be found in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

  • Proteins help build and repair tissues and muscles. Sources of protein include meat, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts.

  • Vitamins and Minerals-These micronutrients are critical for maintaining bodily functions. A variety of vegetables, fruits, dairy, and lean meats ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake.

  • Proper Water Intake - Staying hydrated is essential for digestion, nutrient transport, and maintaining body temperature.


Why is a balanced diet important ?



  • Good Digestive Health: A diet high in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are easy to digest and it supports healthy digestion and prevents constipation.

  • Promotes Overall Health: A balanced diet helps in maintaining healthy weight, supports the immune system, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

  • Improves Mental Health: Nutrient-rich foods can enhance mood and proper  functioning , contributing to better mental health. 


Some other benefits of balanced diet : 


  • Improved Sleep Quality

  • Better skin health

  • Stronger Immune system

  • Improved Gut Health


Points to remember while maintaining a Healthy & Balanced Diet : -


  • Include multiple types of food in your diet which can help you in getting all necessary nutrients 

  • Avoid eating outside food , processed foods which makes you addicted to it.

  • Eat small portions in your meals, avoid heavy meals or overeating especially in late hours.

  • Try to have your meals on time which helps in reducing problems of obesity.

  • Plan meals in a way that make you healthier and,

  • Avoid instant last minute food options like- noodles , or stored frozen foods.

 

Note - A healthy and balanced diet combined with regular exercise is key to maintaining a fit and healthy body.



Few Exercise options for you to try with your Diet Plan


  • Cardio ( Aerobics )  - 150 - 300 minutes of  exercise ( walking , cycling , jogging , dancing , jumping rope ) per week can help in improving heart health , burns calories , and enhances mood.

  • Strength Training - Target your major muscle ( back , arms , core , legs ) at 2-3 times in a week helps in building muscle and increasing metabolism by doing weightlifting, bodyweight exercises ( push-ups, Squats,etc)

  • Doing Stretching 2-3 times in a week reduces risk of injury 

  • You can try Walking and aim for at least 8,000-10,000 steps daily or taking stairs.


Sample Healthy & Balanced Diet Chart - For Adults


Day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Monday

Oats porridge with nuts and banana

Chapatis, dal, mixed vegetable, salad

Brown rice, rajma, sautéed vegetables

Tuesday

Vegetable poha and boiled egg

Vegetable pulao, curd, cucumber slices

Chapatis, palak paneer, steamed broccoli

Wednesday

Upma with coconut chutney and tea

Chapatis, chole, cabbage vegetable, salad

Vegetable khichdi and curd

Thursday

Wholegrain toast, boiled eggs, milk

Rice, sambar, beans poriyal, salad

Chapatis, Bottle gourd, dal

Friday

Moong dal chilla with mint chutney

Vegetable biryani, cucumber raita

Chapati, bhindi, curd

Saturday

Idli with sambar and coconut chutney

Rice, fish curry or tofu curry, salad

Chapatis,, fenugreek potato curry, dal

Sunday

Paratha with curd and pickle

Paneer curry, rice, salad

Vegetable soup, bread roll, fruit


Sample Healthy & Balanced Diet Chart - For Children


Day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Monday

Milk with cornflakes and apple

Rice, dal, potato sabzi, curd

Chapati with paneer bhurji and peas

Tuesday

Cheese sandwich with milk

Vegetable pulao, cucumber raita

Chapati, mixed vegetable, moong dal

Wednesday

Idli with chutney and warm milk

Rice, chicken curry (or soy curry), salad

Chapati, bottle gourd sabzi, curd

Thursday

Banana smoothie with toast

Chapati, chana masala, pumpkin sabzi

Vegetable khichdi and curd

Friday

Stuffed paratha with butter and milk

Rice, dal, carrot-bean stir-fry

Chapati, spinach paneer, salad

Saturday

Upma and fruit juice

Vegetable biryani with cucumber raita

Moong dal khichdi, curd

Sunday

Pancakes with honey and banana

Chapati, aloo gobhi, dal

Vegetable soup, toast, fruit


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