What is a balanced diet?
A balanced healthy diet has good amounts of vitamins and minerals included to help keep your organs and metabolism healthy.
Carbohydrates give you natural energy, however you don't want simple carbohydrate foods like biscuits, cakes and fried potato foods. Instead eat complex carbohydrates like vegetables, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta and brown rice. Protein is important for a healthy diet, it will help to repair your body after exercise.
This should be used as a guideline, example of a balanced diet
General weight loss and toning diet
Meal 1
It's important to eat within an hour of waking up, because it gets your digestive system and metabolism fired up.
Choose two of the following
- Cereal (high fiber)
- Piece of fruit
- Toast with peanut butter
- Oat meal
Meal 2
Include a good source of protein with the pasta and sandwich - exclude cheese and butter.
- Tuna or chicken pasta or sandwich (whole wheat bread)
- Fruit
- Treat yourself, chocolate bar or anything you like, just don't go crazy
Meal 3
High protein meal.
- Tuna, chicken or egg salad, include lots of vegetables
- Orange juice (non concentrate) or piece of fruit
Meal 4
Evening Meal.
- Fruit filled Greek yogurt
- Ham or egg sandwich (whole wheat bread)
- Piece of fruit
Quick tip don't fill yourself up, if you're feeling hungry eat only enough to make your hunger feelings/pains go away.
Count how many calories you're eating. If you're still not losing body fat, slowly start to reduce your daily calories. However don't go below 1600 calories for men and 1200 calories for women. You may want to consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
