A healthy meal leads to a healthy body. A balanced diet throughout the day will keep the dieter from getting sick, keep energy levels up and provide the best concentration for school and work. A dieter should have three meals a day with small snacks in between. If the dieter is trying to lose weight, these meals can be low calorie and still maintain all the vitamins and nutrients required for a strong body.
Significance
A balanced meal with all food groups is the best source for a healthy meal. However, people who go on diets that eliminate certain foods may plan special meals without sacrificing the vitamins and minerals. A balanced meal has grains, protein, carbohydrates and a small percentage of fat. Vegetables are also a part of a healthy meal; they offer vitamins and minerals necessary for body functions.
Types
Meals don't need to be comprised of the same thing every day. Good protein sources are fish, skinless chicken and turkey. Carbohydrates can be found in vegetables, grains and breads. There are several types of vegetables that make a healthy meal; some of them are low-calorie, so they help the dieter lose weight. Vegetables like broccoli, squash, carrots, green beans, spinach and cauliflower are good additions to a healthy meal.
Function
A healthy meal provides the dieter with the energy needed for daily activities. The proteins and fats eaten in a meal provide energy. These foods give cells the biomolecules necessary for energy if carbohydrates are not available. Carbohydrates provide energy, and the glucose consumed by the cells go through a process called glycolysis. This function provides energy for chemical reactions. Vegetables provide vitamins for the body. Vitamins are coenzymes that assist cellular reactions. The reactions facilitated by some vitamins are vision, muscle control, brain function and metabolism.
Size
When planning a healthy meal, portion size is also a consideration. Portions that are too large can actually give the dieter too many calories and cause obesity. Portion sizes should be enough to make the dieter feel full, but it should limit excess foods like fats. Too much fats in the diet can lead to heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
Considerations
If eating healthy meals with a condition like diabetes, the dieter may need to reduce the amount of carbohydrates in proportion to other foods like vegetables or proteins. Some conditions like gout require the dieter to limit the amount of proteins. If a doctor instructs a patient to restrict certain foods, it's important to reduce them when planning healthy meals.
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