Nutrition 101: A beginner's guide to healthy eating
Nutrition might sound complicated but it’s relatively simple when you focus on the basics.
It’s important to learn about how to fuel yourself to allow your body to function optimally. The food you consume enables your body to repair and renew cells, fight off pathogens, produce hormones, and create essential enzymes. Generally, your nutrition plays a vital role in providing energy, preventing diseases and promoting good health.
If you're new to the world of nutrition and seeking a beginner's guide to healthy eating, this article will provide you with helpful insights to get started on your journey toward a healthier lifestyle.
The importance of balanced nutrition
We’ve already briefly mentioned the importance of nutrition, but let’s summarize what great nutrition looks like. A balanced diet consists of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and adequate hydration.
Each nutrient group serves a specific purpose, such as providing energy, building and repairing tissues, and supporting various bodily functions.
How to eat a nutritious diet
A well-rounded diet ensures that all your nutritional needs are met so your body can function optimally. You need to eat foods that include all nutrients to minimize the risk of nutrient deficiencies and ensure your body has enough energy to stay healthy.
A well-balanced, nutritious diet includes the following nutrients:
- Complex carbohydrates
- Lean proteins
- Unsaturated fatty acids
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Fiber
Complex carbs are abundant in whole grains, such as oats, rice, pasta, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Lean proteins include chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, beans and legumes, and tempeh.
You can consume unsaturated fatty acids in oily fish, avocados, nuts, seeds, nut butters and plant oils. For vitamins and minerals, you’ll need a variety of fruits and vegetables, many of which are also abundant in fiber.