500+ Words Essay on Balanced Diet
When diet is wrong, medicine is of no use. When diet is correct, medicine is of no need. – Ancient Ayurvedic Proverb
From the very start, we are taught to eat a balanced diet. Our mothers make sure that we eat healthy and stay strong. What exactly is a balanced diet? A balanced diet or a healthy diet contains an equal amount of proportions of food from all the food groups. It is a balance of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, sugar, vitamins and minerals. The quality of food intake that a child has can often be responsible for his or her growth. It is not uncommon for all of us to witness a short child in a family of tall people.
We would generally assume that since the parents are tall, even the child would be so, because of the genes it inherits. But that is not the exact case. The growth of a child is also dependent on his or her diet, and hence children should be fed with nutritional servings.
An average adult requires about 3200 calories a day to keep the body system performing and functioning adequately. How to get this calorie intake, is up to the individual.
Overeating of something can be as harmful to the body, as having too little of it. It is a general misconception that malnutrition happens because of a lack of food. But the truth is that malnutrition is the result of a lack of the right amount of different foods. Eating food in wrong amounts and incorrect proportions can be detrimental to the health of a person and can cause severe ailments and diseases.
This type of thoughtless diet is known as an unhealthy diet or an imbalanced diet. The requirement for the kind of food intake can be dependent on a person’s age, gender, occupation, the climatic conditions prevailing in the place the person resides, the level of daily activity performed, etc.
For example, a fully-grown adult man working a ten-hour shift in a factory would require more of all food groups than a school going, toddler. A healthy and satisfying meal has five essential elements. It is spicy, salty, pungent, bitter and acidic.
Importance of a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet promotes good physical as well as mental health. Not only are we in good shape physically, but our mind also seems to be in a safe and right space. We are able to focus more, and our retention power increases. Our ability to do work in a proper manner rises significantly, and we are distracted less.
Having a balanced diet also helps in proper growth of the body. It aids in cell division and helps them multiply. Consumption of a balanced diet is also necessary to surge the ability of the body to fight germs and illnesses.
It increases and builds our immunity system, thus making our body and its structures stronger while fighting them. Foods such as walnuts and avocados can help keep the mind away from mental diseases such as depression and dementia.
It also helps in controlling your body weight. The intake of healthy and nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, eggs, salads and oats stays in the body for long periods and then breaks down into your bloodstream. It doesn’t let your brain trigger towards the consumption of sugary snacks or processed foods which only increase your fat component and are not even utilized in providing you with energy.
Having a balanced diet allows you to sleep better at night. Having too much of junk food can mess with your digestive system, which can cause irritation and aches in your body, thus hampering your sleep schedule.
Also, a lot of people are guilty of overeating, and especially overeating during the night. This happens when you do not eat properly during the day. Hence, the spacing of your meals and proper amounts of nutrients in every meal holds supreme importance.
Components of a Balanced Diet
Following are the key elements that constitute a balanced diet:
- Proteins: Found abundantly in eggs, chicken, fish, sprouts, dairy products, etc., proteins act as healing agents of the body. They repair the wear and tear of the muscles caused by our daily activities and also help in growth and building muscles.
- Vitamins and Minerals: These can be found in plenty of fruits and vegetables. They help the body in becoming more immune and in resisting and fighting grave diseases. A lack of vitamins and minerals in the body can lead to an individual suffering from conditions like goitre, anaemia, etc.
- Fats: Present richly in food products such as butter, oil, ghee, etc., fats help you keep your body warm and supply the necessary energy required. Too much fat can be harmful as it may lead you to become lazy and lethargic.
- Carbohydrates: They can be obtained from foods like wheat, rice, bread, etc. They supply the body with glucose which is converted into energy to help support bodily functions and day to day activities.
How to have a Balanced Diet?
Simple habits and ways can be followed to have a balanced diet. Eat more foods that come from trees and plants, rather than convenience foods. Convenience foods are foods that are prepared and packaged in such a way that requires very less preparation type and are almost ready to eat.
It is vital to drink plenty of water. Try to sip at least two litres per day. Avoid having an excess of addictive liquids such as energy drinks, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Try to inculcate fruits in your breakfast and avoid having fatty and fried foods.
Do not merely swallow your food, but instead chew it properly. Gulping food might lead to eating more than required or desired and is also prone to choking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy diet is vital to have a sound body and mind. The intake of all foods is essential, keeping in mind the right proportions. Avoid overeating at all costs. Eating well is important to lead a healthy life.
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