It is said that food is fuel and the better you eat, the healthier you will be. But in the craze for staying healthy, the world is following new diet and wellness trends, such as farm-to-table organic diets.
We often use the words health and balance interchangeably, but did you know that they don’t necessarily mean the same thing in the world of nutrition? Let our clinical experts help you decipher the two terms and help you find the ideal He shared his meal blueprint.
Healthy eating and balanced diet: Which is better in terms of nutrition?
Dr. Garima Deb Burman, a certified dietitian and medical content analyst at the Healthy Indian Project (THIP), says a balanced diet includes a combination of a variety of foods with different nutrients in the right amounts. He said there was.
“A healthy diet ensures you get essential nutrients, and a balanced diet ensures you get the right proportions of different nutrients. Therefore, one is not necessarily ‘better’ than the other.” . It depends on the individual’s nutritional needs and preferences,” she said.
Portion size can be an issue, as some people eat too much of certain foods and not enough of others. (Source: Unsplash)
Where do people commonly make mistakes?
Dr. Varman said:Are people too focused on one food group? Or ignore certain nutrient-dense foods altogether. This imbalance can cause your diet to be low in essential nutrients or too high in certain nutrients, such as unhealthy fats and sugars. ”
Portion size can be an issue, as some people eat too much of certain foods and not enough of others. To prepare a truly balanced meal, she says, it’s important to balance different food groups and pay attention to portion sizes.
Main elements of a balanced diet
To achieve India’s basic nutritional goals, it is important to include a variety of important components in the diet.
Dr. Berman recommends starting with: Plenty of seasonal vegetables and fruits Provides essential vitamins, minerals and fiber.
Next, you should include whole grains like rice, whole wheat, and millets (ragi, jowar, bajra, etc.) for energy and important nutrients. “Include protein-rich foods such as lentils (dal), pulses (chickpeas, kidney beans), nuts, seeds, and dairy products (milk, yogurt, paneer). Eggs, fish, and red meat to support tissue building and repair,” she says.
Nutritionists suggested consuming healthy fats in moderation. Ghee, mustard oil, coconut oil, and nuts are essential for brain health and hormone production. Fortified alternatives such as dairy and soy milk ensure enough calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
Spices and herbs such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, and garlic not only add flavor to your meals, but also provide health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
She spoke of the importance of staying hydrated and encouraged people to incorporate traditional drinks such as buttermilk, coconut water and herbal teas into their daily diet.
