A well balanced diet is one that provides the body with the nutrients it needs to function properly, providing you with energy to accomplish your day to day activities. Without a balanced diet your body is fatigued; prone to infection and disease.
Having a poor diet and not getting enough nutrition can greatly impair your daily health and wellbeing; reducing your ability to lead an active, healthy and happy life. In just a short amount of time a poor diet can contribute to stress, tiredness and our capacity to complete daily activities. Some common health problems and illnesses that can arise if you are not eating a well balanced diet are the following:
Obesity
Tooth Decay
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Heart Disease and Stroke
Type-2 Diabetes
Osteoporosis
Some Cancers
Depression
Eating Disorders
To avoid these health issues that can be correlated with nutrient inefficiency and unbalanced diet, think twice about what you are consuming on a daily basis. A well balanced diet should include a variety of foods from the following food groups:
Fruits
Vegetables
Grains
Dairy
Protein Foods
Limit the following:
Highly processed foods
Refined grains
Added sugar and salt
Red and processed meat
Alcohol
Trans Fat
Overall, a healthy and balanced diet includes whole foods such as fresh fruits & veggies, in addition to proteins, whether that is meat, beans, legumes, nuts or seeds. Always try to avoid processed foods, as they can be high in trans fats, added sugar and refined grains.