You might not think about the quality of your diet until you begin to suffer from weight or health problems. Your dietary needs don't arise suddenly but persist from childhood throughout your life. If you don't eat a range of healthy foods most of the time, you may be a candidate for a diet makeover. Consider your lifestyle and health condition to determine whether your menus require better nutritional balance.
I Eat Mostly the Same Foods
Do you compose menus from a short list of favorite foods? This type of eating pattern may not supply the full array of vitamins, carbohydrates, protein, minerals and fatty acids required to stay healthy. You need a balanced diet derived from the five food groups to get vitamin C, fiber, amino acids, iron and "healthy" unsaturated fat and other nutrients that support your body metabolism. For nutritionally balanced meals, eat different grain, vegetable, fruit, dairy and meat, fish or bean dishes at every meal.
My Meal Times Are Erratic
An interrupted supply of nutrients deprives your cells of the energy and dietary elements they need to continue to live and grow. Do you skip breakfast or eat a late lunch or dinner? You need input from a balanced diet to avoid placing undue strain on your body that can create long-term health problems. Regular meal times can also keep you from eating too much at other meals and threatening your weight. The National Institutes of Health endorses the standard three-meals-a-day plan for optimum nutritional intake.
I Have Unexplained Health Symptoms
While many medical conditions can present symptoms of fatigue, weight loss, diarrhea and changes in hair and nails, these problems may indicate a chronic nutrient deficiency or overdose. Have your dietary needs changed? If you become pregnant, undergo surgery or pass age 50, your diet may not be addressing your physical demands. You need a balanced diet to avoid low intake of iron, protein, calcium, fiber, vitamin B12 and other nutrients.
I Am Overweight
Overweight conditions indicate an imbalance of calorie consumption and expenditure through exercise. Have you put on 10 pounds or more that you can't seem to lose? The Office of the Surgeon General reports that even moderate weight gain increases your risk for health problems such as type 2 diabetes, arthritis, cancer and heart disease. In addition to daily physical activity, you need a balanced diet that limits fats and sugars to keep your calorie counts under control. Eating reasonable portions helps to maintain an adequate nutrient-to-calorie ratio to keep you fit and at a proper body weight.
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