So what exactly is a healthy, balanced diet?
A healthy, balanced diet is one that contains a range and balance of different foods and nutrients. In the UK, we have a healthy eating model, called the Eatwell Guide. Click here to find out more. There is no ‘one size fits all’ and a healthy diet will look different for everyone, depending on factors such as age, and physical activity levels.
Why is it so important to follow a healthy, balanced diet?
The food we eat can affect so much more than just our digestion. In fact, our diet can have an impact on everything from our heart health to our mental health. Therefore, following a healthy balanced diet is important to ensure that our body gets all the nutrients it needs to function optimally and for us to feel good.
There is also lots of evidence to show that eating a healthy, balanced diet can:
- Reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- Help with healthy weight maintenance
- Reduce risk of diseases such as heart disease and stroke
- Even reduce the risk of some types of cancer.