If we maintain a well balanced diet, exercise regularly, eat in moderation and fight against free radicals we are heading in the right direction to keep our selves younger and healthier.
Eating well – balanced diet means eating a range of foods from the 5 main food groups:
- Carbohydrates, contain lots of energy. They can be found in starchy foods, such as bread, pasta and potatoes (avoid white flour)
- Protein, helps with growth and repair and are found in meat, fish, beans and eggs.
- Fruit and vegetables, contain a lot of nutrients.
- Milk and dairy foods
- Foods that are high in fat and natural sugar
Food plate model:
Half of your plate should contain fruit and vegetables, a quarter proteins, milk and dairy and the last quarter carbohydrates. Only a very small amount of what you eat every day should come from foods that are high in fat and sugar.
Stay away from readymade meals, they provide lots of calories and very little nutrients. Eating a well – balanced diet makes you feel healthier from the inside, and will also have an impact on your physical, mental and emotional well- being.
THE ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants are believed to help protect our cells against free radicals. Free radicals are molecules produced in the body when it breaks down food or when you are exposed to environmental contamination, radiation, tobacco smoke and also during exercise.
