The food we put into our bodies is more than something enjoyable and delicious. It’s the fuel that our bodies use to get us through each day. Of course, different foods are better for us than others. Some are packed with nutrients. Some are nutritionally devoid and often referred to as “junk food”. If you’re looking to lead the healthiest life possible, there are various changes that you can make to your diet to give your body the best. Here are just a few different areas of focus to get things off to the best start!
Consider Calories
I am wary of mentioning this as I am very aware that calorie counting can go too far and become unhealthy and problematic. Just today, there is discussion in the news about the idea of putting calories on menus and whether this would cause issues for those who struggle with body image or have an eating disorder. I am concerned that paying too much close attention to calories could lead down the wrong path.
Not all foods are equal in nutrition and focusing solely on calories, especially with the goal of weight loss, could mean the body does not get what it needs. Please think carefully about this and make your goal to be healthy rather than anything else. And always seek professional guidance.
All that said, there are suggested amounts of calories that individuals are recommended to eat to ensure that their bodies have sufficient energy to get through the day. Not hitting this amount can cause a calorie deficit. Exceeding the amount can result in a calorie surplus, resulting in weight gain.
For specific amounts of how many calories you as an individual should eat, you should reach out to your doctor. However, the guideline below should also give you a rough idea:
• Children aged 2 to 8 – 1000 to 1400 calories
• Girls aged 9 to 13 – 1400 to 1600 calories
• Boys aged 9 to 13 – 1600 to 2000 calories
• Active women aged 14 to 30 – 2400 calories
• Sedentary women aged 14 to 30 – 1800 to 2000 calories
• Active men aged 14 to 30 – 2800 to 3200 calories
• Sedentary men aged 14 to 30 – 2000 to 2600 calories
• Active adults over 30 – 2000 to 3000 calories
• Sedentary adults over 30 – 1600 to 2400 calories
Consider Supplements
Of course, the best way to get all of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients you need in your diet is to eat a healthy and balanced diet. But if you find that you are struggling to get sufficient levels of certain nutrients into your diet, you can always consider supplements. There are plenty of renowned brands out there, such as Steel Supplements, who can provide you with an array of different options to ensure that your body is getting everything that it needs. You can check them out here.
Balance Your Food Groups
A big mistake that many people make when trying to curate a healthy diet is to completely cut out certain food groups. This is often on the advice of fad diets that are generally created to take advantage of individuals who are looking to lead healthier lives. At the end of the day, in a balanced diet, you shouldn’t cut any particular food group out entirely. Each can help our bodies to function and should be eaten in moderation.
Of course, there are countless changes that you can make to your diet to maximise your wellbeing. But simply being mindful of what you eat and having a basic understanding of nutrition to ensure you are getting the right nutrients for your body should help to get you started in a healthy direction.
*This is a collaborative post