| Food has undergone many changes as science and | | | | and health. Anything that is too little or too much |
| technology have progressed and many new aspects | | | | would upset the balance of the body and its system. |
| of food were revealed. Nutrition took on a mantle of | | | | As with all other fields, food too has seen a lot of |
| its own and today forms a very important part in | | | | innovation and variety. Unfortunately along with the |
| dictating our daily food intake. No longer do most | | | | good food there are also a whole range of foods |
| people just eat to live. | | | | which has a feel good factor to it but does nothing |
| Nutrition has been classified into six major nutrition | | | | for the health of the person. These are called empty |
| groups namely carbohydrates, proteins, fats, | | | | calorie foods in the form of soft drinks, various |
| vitamins, minerals and water. Each one has a role to | | | | types of snacks, processed food, etc. Temptation is |
| play in providing a balanced diet to the body. Another | | | | very difficult to resist so one must strike a balance |
| way of classifying food is the food pyramid, which | | | | wherein all desires for food are covered without |
| covers Fat, Dairy, Meats, Fruits and Vegetables, and | | | | compromising on the nutrition required by the body. |
| Grains. | | | | A good, balanced diet would ideally consist of a |
| Each food group has its own part to play in the | | | | controlled intake of saturated and trans fats, |
| overall diet of an individual. To avoid stomach | | | | cholesterol, sugar and salt, and meats, whilst eating |
| disorders and other food related problems, such as | | | | enough fruits, vegetables, wholegrain products, low |
| indigestion and ulcers, one has to try and eat a | | | | fat or normal fat dairy products, good fats such as |
| balanced meal which contains as many food groups | | | | fish, nuts and vegetable oils, fat-free meats, poultry, |
| as possible. This is turn will lead to a balanced diet | | | | and lentils. Last but not least, check the calorie count |
| wherein all food ingested is nutritious and can be | | | | of the food on your plate. There is a lot of nutritional |
| utilized by the body without any wastage. | | | | information available regarding the content of food |
| Avoid starchy food, fatty foods, foods heavy in | | | | and its calorific value. Investing in a guide and eating |
| spices, and foods with additives wherever possible as | | | | your way to good health without being obsessive |
| these do not aid digestion. Similarly, an excess of salt | | | | could pay rich dividends by way of health. Along with |
| and sugar would be harmful and the benefits that | | | | all this, a sustained and energetic exercise regime will |
| these foods normally provide would be lost. Every | | | | go a long way to a healthy you. |
| food item plays a small part in our overall nutrition | | | | |