Nutrition for Beginners

Why should you eat healthy?

Eating healthy has more benefits for you than being kind to your waistline. Eating a balanced, nutritious diet can prevent high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It can also improve your mood and energy.

There are three main components to creating a balanced diet: calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients. Let’s talk about them.

Calories and energy balance. A calorie is a way we measure energy derived from food. Many people think eating healthy is just about calories in and calories out. However, not all calories are created equally. An average person needs between 2000 and 2500 calories a day, but 2000 calories of cookies will not fill you up, give you energy, or prevent health issues in the long run.
Understanding Macronutrients: carbs, fat, and protein. Eating a balanced diet requires eating adequate amounts of the three macronutrients. Carbohydrates, fat, and protein are a necessity for feeling energized and satiated. Carbohydrates and protein give you energy, while fat keeps you feeling full. As far as how much of these you should eat a day, that depends on your health and dietary restrictions. Some people may require more or less of these three nutrients.
Understanding Micronutrients: vitamins and minerals. The last component of a balanced diet is micronutrients. Micronutrients are mostly vitamins, such as calcium, phosphorus, B12, and iron. As long as you’re eating an adequate and nutritious amount of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins, you will get all your necessary micronutrients from food. If you’re worried, you can add a multivitamin to your diet to ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals.

Eating a balanced diet can seem daunting if you’re just starting out, but once you know what you’re doing, it is actually very simple. If you cut down on processed foods, sweets, and fast food, you’re already halfway there. Don’t hesitate to add a multivitamin to your diet if you’re just starting out or if you want an extra boost of nutrients.