What is a calorie? A calorie refers to the amount of energy stored in a certain food. Your body uses calories from food for walking, thinking, breathing and other important functions. A low calorie balanced diet supplies the nutrients your body needs to work effectively. Without a balanced diet, your body is more prone to disease, infection, fatigue and lower performance all of which can lead to weight gain.
What to eat for a balanced diet:
- Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
- Carbohydrates, including starches and fiber
- Protein
- Healthy fats
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Grains
- Dairy
- Protein-rich foods
It is also important to note that what is healthy for one person may not work for another. That’s why you will work with our coach to develop a diet and exercise plan made just for YOUR body.
Putting it all together:
A healthy diet will combine all the nutrients and food groups mentioned above, but you need to balance them too. A handy way to remember how much of each food group to eat is the “the plate method.” Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables filling just over one-quarter with grains, filling just under one-quarter with protein foods and adding dairy, or non-dairy replacement, on the side.