A balanced diet can improve your mood, health and lifestyle. By eating a healthy diet, you can also control your weight and cholesterol, and perform better when you play sports and exercise. A balanced diet can also help prevent certain diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, and support a healthier pregnancy. Talk to your health-care provider to ensure you're eating a balanced diet.
Mood
A balanced diet can positively impact your mood. If your diet is poor or consists of high-fat, high-calorie foods, you may feel sluggish and tired. Eating a diet that contains fruits, vegetables and lean meats will give you more energy because of the high nutrition content. These foods are also low in calories, so you won't feel so sluggish after meals. Omega-3 fatty acids specifically help improve your mood, according to HelpGuide.org, and may also boost cognitive function.
Performance
Foods high in fat and calories may leave you feeling a little too full and satisfied. Think about Thanksgiving -- after you enjoy a large feast with your family, you hardly have the energy to go for a walk or jog. A diet balanced with protein, carbs and fats is essential for performance, whether you're playing sports, exercising, taking a test or working hard at the office. Your body demands a certain level of nutrition. When your nutritional needs aren't met, your body will negatively respond. You may not have the attention span, concentration, strength or energy for you to perform well. Your nutritional needs include a requirement of calories, fat, protein and carbohydrates to fuel your body and nutrients to replenish organs such as your heart, liver, kidneys and brain.
Disease Prevention
Your diet can also cause or prevent certain conditions such as type 2 diabetes and pregnancy complications. In addition to nutrients, portion control is another factor in healthy eating, according to the American Diabetes Association. Obesity, caused by overeating, can lead to early death, heart attack, type 2 diabetes, stroke and gallbladder disease. Inadequate nutrition during pregnancy can result in gestational diabetes, low birth weight and other birth defects.
Organ Protection
Every organ in your body needs nutrition. Eating a balanced diet that includes antioxidants can help promote organ health. Antioxidants occur in foods such as pomegranates, blueberries, cantaloupe and oranges. These foods help destroy toxins and pollutants that can damage your body. They also have a high water content. Your body is composed of around 60 percent water, making water an essential part of any diet. Your kidneys rely on water to function properly and could shut down without it.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Coping with Anxiety: Can Diet Make a Difference?; Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.; May 2009
- HelpGuide.org; Easy Tips for Planning a Healthy Diet and Sticking To It; Gina Kemp, M.A., et al.; January 2011
- HelpGuide.org; Improving Emotional Health- Strategies and Tips for Good Mental Health; Melinda Smith, M.A., et al.; March 2011
- FamilyDoctor.org; Gestational Diabetes: What It Means for Me and My Baby; FamilyDoctor.org Editorial Staff; August 2010
- TeensHealth from Nemours: A Guide to Eating for Sports; Nov. 2008
- Drugs.com; Fish May Really Be Brain Food; November 2007
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