With so many nutritional tips, advice and recommendations, it is often difficult to find the perfect nutrition. Well, the truth is that there is no such thing as "perfect nutrition". It is impossible to create a one-size-fits-all diet because our bodies have different needs. Therefore, what you should be looking for is balanced nutrition. Focusing on diets that provides your body with all the essential nutrients is the way to go.
The perfect diet factors your personal goals and lifestyle; for instance, a person trying to lose fat will have different nutrition from a person trying to bulk up. However, getting the balance right to achieve those personal goals is where many people struggle.
Whether your goal is to get shredded, bulked up, or lose fat, we have put together these tips to help you find the balance.
Why balanced nutrition is important
Balanced nutrition is the best way to supply your body with the nutrients it needs to function. With balanced nutrition, your body stands a chance against low energy/low performance, disease, fatigue, and poor mental health. Scientific researches point to the lack of balanced nutrition as one of the causes of obesity, heart disease, poor developmental growth, and many ailments.
What should be in balanced nutrition?
As the name suggests, balanced nutrition must contain all the essential nutrients and vitamins in different amounts. Balanced nutrition should contain Minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates (including starch and fibre), antioxidants, protein, and healthy fats.
When creating your nutritional plans, you should include these food groups:
Protein foods
You can't have balanced nutrition without protein, whether animal-based or plant-based. Proteins are essential for muscle repair and growth.
People looking to fine-tune their vegan diet should focus on plant-based foods. Since they won't eat eggs, fish, meat, or dairy, their diet will usually include other protein-rich foods. For example, beans and tofu are rich sources of protein. If you are intolerant to dairy foods, other options will serve as a replacement. You won't miss much!
Here are a few animal and plant proteins that you should include in your nutrition: Chicken, Beef and Lamb, Fish, Nuts, Beans, Soy products, Lentils, Beans, Peas, Almonds
Fruits
Whether you are trying to gain muscle or lose fat, Fruits should make it to your nutrition. Not only are they a fantastic source of nutrients, but they are also tasty and satisfying, and there is an endless variety with different health benefits. Fruits provide healthy sugar, fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Vegetables
Like fruits, vegetables contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fibre. We recommend eating varieties of vegetables and including different colours to obtain a full range of nutrients. Popular vegetables include Kale, Green beans, collard greens, spinach and broccoli.
Dairy
Dairy foods are rich in protein, calcium and vitamin D. They also contain healthy fat. But if you prefer to reduce your fat intake, you should consider low-fat options. Your dietician can help you decide what is best for you.
Vegans have the option of dairy-free milk made from almonds, cashews, flaxseed, oats, soy, and coconuts.
Grains
Eating grains in their entirety has proven to provide additional minerals, fibre, and vitamins. Another benefit of adding whole grains to your meals is that they add texture and flavour.
Bottom line
Although it may seem very difficult to get started, these tips are a good starting point for everyone. If you are trying to gain muscle, create your nutrition around proteins and be creative with your recipes. You can also consult your dietician or doctor to help you create balanced nutrition.
