THE IMPORTANCE OF A BALANCED DIET

A balanced diet is the one that gives your body the nutrients it needs to function correctly. In order to get the proper nutrition from your diet, you should obtain the majority of your daily calories from:

–Proteins –Fresh fruits –Fresh vegetables –Grains –Legumes

WHY IS A BALANCED DIET IMPORTANT?

A balanced diet is important because your organs and tissues need proper nutrition to work effectively. Without good nutrition, your body is more prone to disease, infection, fatigue, and poor performance. Children with a poor diet run the risk of growth and developmental issues. Bad eating habits can persist for the rest of their lives.

Rising levels of obesity and diabetes all around the world are prime examples of the effects of a poor diet and a lack of exercise.

HOW CAN I ACHIEVE A BALANCED DIET?

At the core of a balanced diet are foods that are low in unnecessary fats and sugars but high in vitamins, minerals, proteins and other nutrients. The following food groups are essential parts of a balanced diet.

FRUITS & VEGETABLES

Besides being a great source of nutrition, fruits make tasty snacks. Choose fruits that are in season in your area. They are fresher and provide most of the nutrients. Vegetables are primary sources of essential vitamins and minerals. Dark, leafy greens generally have a higher nutritive value and can be eaten at every meal. A variety of vegetables will help you obtain the bountiful nutrients that all vegetables provide.

PROTEINS

Meats and beans are primary sources of protein, which is essential for proper muscle and brain development. Lean, low-fat meats such as chicken and turkey, cooked ham, sausages and some other cuts of pork and beef are the best options.

WHY SHOULD YOU CARE ABOUT GETTING ENOUGH PROTEIN?

Here are four good reasons:

It is a component of every cell in your body. In fact, hair and nails are mostly made of protein.

Your body uses it to build and repair the tissue.

You need it to make enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals.

It is an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood.

A CORE MACRONUTRIENT

Like carbohydrates and fat, protein is a macronutrient, meaning that you need relatively large amounts of it to stay healthy. (Vitamins and minerals, which you only need in small quantities, are called micronutrients.)

Unlike carbohydrates and fat, your body does not store protein, so it has no reservoir to draw from when you’re running low.

FIG & MAHON SALAD WITH LOMO

1/4 cup olive oil 3 tbsp sherry vinegar 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp honey 1 clove garlic, minced 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Directions:

Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes Serves: 4

Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic, salt and smoked paprika; toss with kale, figs, Mahon cheese and lomo. Divide salad among 4 plates. Garnish with sliced almonds. Tip: Substitute Manchego if Mahon cheese is not available.

8 cups baby kale 6 fresh figs, quartered 2 oz shaved Mahon cheese 1 pkg (3 oz) Lomo (or use your favourite CFG cut) 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds

We want to help you in your first steps of this new healthy and balanced way of eating. You can start by introducing this easy recipe to your day-to-day meals!