It is no secret. Around 80% of our health and fitness is dictated by our food consumption. As the popular saying goes, “abs are made in the kitchen”. This is so true because the majority of the time, it’s the food and drinks that we consume that have a direct impact on how we look and feel. For example, if you regularly drink fizzy drinks and/or beer, are you more likely to feel bloated often or not? You see, the definition of bloated is ‘being swollen with fluid or gas’, and if you consider fizzy drinks and beer, that is exactly what they are; fluid and gas. Again, if your regular diet consisted of deep fried, fatty and processed food high in salt, as opposed to a balanced one consisting of lean oven baked or grilled meats, fresh water fish and nutrient rich vegetables, fruits and nuts, which diet do you think would have a better effect on your health and general well-being?
What we must realise is that food, in varying measures, can either act as a medicine or a poison to your body and it is super crucial to firstly identify these poisons and eradicate, if not significantly reduce them. Similarly, it is equally important to introduce and welcome the ‘food medicines’ onto our plates, as they will serve as the biggest catalysts in promoting and maintaining a healthier you.
A well-balanced diet will provide all of the nutrients you need for growth and repair, helping you to stay strong and healthy and prevent diet-related illnesses, such as type 2 diabetes and some cancers. It will also provide all of the energy you need to keep active throughout the day, because keeping active and eating a healthy balanced diet can help you to maintain a healthy weight, lower your cholesterol levels and blood pressure. By switching to a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy, you can reduce your risk of heart disease. We will also stress the importance of eating in moderate portions at a consistent frequency in order to reap the benefits. With that said, do also consider your meal timings. The first meal of the day or breakfast should typically be the most nutritious of the day, rich in whole grains, fruits, nuts and fiber. Meals with a carbohydrate content like rice, pasta, potatoes are best suited around midday, as the carbohydrates are best used as an energy source for your body and will help to power the rest of your day. Avoid such foods late at night or before bedtime, because if they’re not burned off as energy they will convert into sugar, leaving your body with a hefty workload overnight, whilst it should be resting and regenerating itself.