Eating a “balanced diet” can mean a lot of different things to different people! Finding balance in our lives will always be an individual task, but here are some general guidelines to help you get started on the right track.
1. Focus on your mindset.
I know I’ve said it before, but no foods are bad foods unless they will physically harm you (think allergies or intolerances). Sometimes the emotional side of eating is just as important as the physical side of it, and we do need to occasionally honor those urges. While it might not be the best idea to eat a cookie for dinner every night, it doesn’t mean that all cookies are harmful on occasion.
2. Make sure you are getting the nutrients your body needs.
Another side of “balance” is making sure your body is getting all of the nutrients it needs. Our bodies thrive on a variety of foods, and that is the best way to get all of those good vitamins and minerals into your system as well as good, whole food sources of carbohydrates and proteins.
Whole food sources of carbohydrates include grains like rice, wheat, and oats. These will give you energy and help to balance your blood sugar. Pro-tip – the best way to keep your blood sugar from spiking then dropping will be to eat meals with plenty of protein, fiber, and some fats.
Whole food sources of proteins include meat products like chicken, pork, or beef as well as eggs, whey protein supplements, and plant-based sources like tofu.
If this seems overwhelming, the sole reason our business exists is to help you! We want to make eating a balanced diet easy and enjoyable. Check out some of our balanced meals here!
3. Eat the Rainbow.
A good way to get a lot of vitamins and minerals in your life is to eat foods in a variety of colors. You can get good vitamins from red and yellow fruits, minerals from dark green vegetables, and antioxidants from blue and purple fruits and veggies.
And one last thing to remember- every body is different, so what YOU need to have a balanced diet may be different from your friend. Learning to listen to your body and create that balance can be difficult at times, but it is so worth it for the health and energy you will enjoy.
Need help figuring out your balance? Schedule a FREE virtual consultation with our nutritionist, Bri!