The famous saying goes, ‘Eat to live’ throws light on the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Healthcare professionals are doing a great deal in bringing awareness about a healthy lifestyle and developing diet plans for those in the weight loss regime. The focus has been on food for life. A healthy diet can go a long way to improve your chances of a long and healthy life.

Following are some guidelines on a balanced diet plan.

1) Eat a variety of foods:

Including a variety of food choices in your meals ensure that you get all the nutrients needed for a healthy growth. Plan your diet on major food groupings like grain products, vegetables, fruits, milk products and meat.

2) Avoid too much fat:

Fats are essential as they provide us with energy. There are two types of fats, saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fat is found in animal product and milk products and raises cholesterol in blood and blocks arteries and hence should be eaten in moderation. Unsaturated fat is derived from vegetable sources and helps protect our heart. It is important that we eat the right kind of fat.

3) Fast foods is the major cause of weight gain. It has high calorific value and you tend to overeat.

4) Eat fibrous food: Including fibrous food in your regular diet slows down the speed at which sugar enters your bloodstream hence reducing blood sugar levels which is a major health benefit.