Why eat healthy?

As a nutrition coach, when I talk about a 'balanced diet', I am referring to a diet that includes a range of food groups, and eating them in the proportions that are believed to be of most benefit to our health. In the UK, we use the Eatwell Guide as a representation of what our diet should look like most of the time. Of course, proportions of food vary with age, gender and activity levels to name a few factors, but overall, the general message is the same. The 5 food groups that the Eatwell Guide depicts as being necessary in our diet are fruit & vegetables, starchy carbohydrates, plant & animal proteins, dairy and alternatives (such as soy milk), and oils and spreads. The benefits of consuming a wide range of food groups in appropriate proportions could take up pages and pages, but a few common benefits that most people often want to achieve from a balanced diet include:

• Reduction in tiredness and fatigue

• Reduction in the risk of disease such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure etc

• More food freedom 

• Improved sports & exercise performance and recovery 

• Fuelling the body for everyday tasks

• Boost our immune system

• Maintain normal bodily functions

• Strengthen the bones & teeth

• Manage weight and prevent excessive weight gain/loss

• Heart health

Our body is constantly working to try and keep us healthy and safe. The foods we give our body, along with how active we are, help all of our cells and systems to fight against disease and ensure we can go about our daily lives in the best way possible. It doesn't have to be perfect, and you do not have to change your whole diet and lifestyle overnight. Making one or two changes a week will lead to huge results in the long-term. There is no rule that you either have to eat healthy or have fun - you can do both. Healthy eating is a sustainable, long-term approach not only to weight loss, but also to general health. You can still do all your favourite things and consume your favourite foods, just as long as there is balance. 

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The nutrition we have in childhood also has major knock-on effects to the future. This doesn't mean if you had an 'unhealthy' childhood that you have to give up all hope now and forget about eating healthier, but it is important to teach children the importance of eating a more balanced diet. So many children lack in their fruit and veg intake, but have no trouble getting their hands on sweets, chocolate, and other tempting goods. The aim isn't to take these things away completely because they still deserve to enjoy these treats whether it be at a friends' birthday party or a family day out, but we do need to make sure they are eating the right things alongside these delicious treats. Having a poor diet from a young age significantly increases the risk of issues and diseases such as diabetes and obesity in later life. When we teach children positive eating practices, they take these lessons throughout their whole life, and so are more likely to remain healthy as adults. This then helps to protect against lifestyle-related diseases. So, setting a good example to the children around us and ensuring they also consume a balanced diet is something that will make a huge impact on their future.