If you search “healthy eating” online, you will find almost 62 million results! It’s no wonder everyone is so confused about what and how they should be eating. There are so many differing opinions on how many grams of protein we should have, what time we should eat, whether or not we need carbohydrates.…with so many myths mixed in with facts, we need to isolate what’s really important when it comes to diet and nutrition, weight management and general healthy eating – so let’s get back to basics!
The Three Essential Macronutrients
Every healthy eating plan should include these three essentials:
- Protein – used for muscle repair, building blocks of body tissue and energy
- Carbohydrates – our main energy source, and sources of soluble and insoluble fibre
- Fats – assist with the absorption of vitamins A,D,E and K; concentrated source of energy; valuable source of essential fatty acids (Omega 3 and 6); maintain healthy skin and hair; insulate our internal organs against shock, and maintains body temperature.
Alcohol is a non-essential nutrient as it only provides us with empty calories.
Our total energy – measured in kilojoules (kj) or calories (Cal) – is the combined energy of all of the above. To maintain weight, the energy we consume from food must be equal to the energy we expend each day. To lose weight, it must be less, and to gain weight, it must be more.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
The type and quantity of each nutrient that we should consume varies from person to person, and is dependent on such factors as personal and family medical history, lifestyle, activities, and personal health and fitness goals.
This is why it’s important to remember that any general information you read on this, or any other health professional’s website, is intended as exactly that – general, non-specific information for the general public.
For tailor-made nutritional advice, based on your specific medical history and personal circumstances, register with NuChoice today.