Plant foods produce a wide range of natural compounds called phytonutrients, which act like antioxidants and help support health.
Often, it’s easy to turn to fast foods because of its convenience. However, in order to feel your best going into 2021, your body needs a complex blend of nutrients.
You require a medley of the right proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, enough fluids to stay hydrated and a good dose of fibre, too.
The good folks at Herbalife Nutrition have developed its Herbalife Nutrition Philosophy, which is based on balanced nutrition that combines healthy foods and supplements -- to meet your daily needs -- together with the right calorie balance to help you lose, gain or maintain body weight.
7 essential elements for a balanced nutrition plan
Good health lies in eating the right foods, combined with regular exercise and rest.
A proper and balanced nutrition will help fuel your daily activities and promote a lifetime of wellness.
One convenient way is to blend together a nutritious protein shake, which can provide balanced nutrition and aid in weight management.
Some shakes are designed to simply supplement your diet with protein, while others are more nutritionally complete and can be used as meal replacement.
Protein is a macronutrient that is vital to virtually every cell in your body.
That said, here are the essential elements of a balanced diet:
This macronutrient is vital to virtually every cell in your body. It is used to build and repair body tissues and is also necessary for growth and development. Your body is constantly assembling, breaking down and using protein, so it’s important to include enough protein in your diet every day to replace what you’ve used. Herbalife Nutrition Philosophy suggests that up to 30% of your daily calorie intake come from plant or lean animal protein, such as soybeans, poultry, fish, and eggs.
The body also requires another macronutrient – carbohydrates, the fuel for the body – so it’s important to get enough daily. Herbalife Nutrition Philosophy recommends that you get about 40% of your calories from whole grain, bean, vegetable, and fruit carbs – and not the heavy on the sugar and starch carbs you find in baked goods, soda and candy.
Your body also requires small amounts of beneficial fats, but don’t go hog wild just yet; you’re probably getting enough. The typical diet supplies more total fat and saturated fat than we need, and not enough healthy fats, like fats from fish, nuts, olive oil and avocados. Fats are a highly concentrated source of calories, which is why the Herbalife Nutrition Philosophy recommends a limit of 30% or less of your daily calorie intake.
Vitamins and minerals are involved in many of the chemical reactions that your body performs daily, with minerals such as calcium and magnesium having structural roles in the body. A well-balanced diet would help to supply the vitamins and minerals you need, while taking a daily multi-vitamin and mineral supplement could help ensure you are getting the proper amount.
Plant foods produce a wide range of natural compounds called phytonutrients, which act like antioxidants and help support health. Their pigments also give fruits and vegetables its beautiful colour. That is why it’s important to eat colourful, plant-filled meals.
This keeps you full, supports the digestive process and promotes the growth of friendly bacteria in the digestive tract. Whole fruits, grains, vegetables and beans are the best sources of dietary fibre, but if you can’t get the recommended 25g every day, you can work in fibre supplements to your diet.
The human body is 70% water, so it does not come as a surprise that we need to stay hydrated to remain healthy. Your body needs water to transport nutrients to cells and to get rid of waste products. Water also helps control body temperature and lubricate joints, organs, and tissues. The general recommendation for fluids is about eight glasses a day. Water should always be the first choice, but plain tea or coffee can also count towards meeting your daily fluid needs.
Water should always be the first choice, but plain tea or coffee can also count towards meeting your daily fluid needs.
Herbalife Nutrition, a leading brand in meal replacement and protein supplements combined [1], recommends its Formula 1 Nutritious Mixed Soy Protein Drink. The shake mix comes in a variety of flavours and is quick and convenient to make – making it easy to keep track of your calorie intake, and is customisable.
Start out with a basic vanilla shake, and you could add extra ingredients that make protein shakes a versatile choice for people who want healthy, on-the-go nutrition.
Remember, when it comes to balancing calories, you are in control over both sides of the calorie equation.
You can regulate how much you consume by counting calories in the foods that you eat, and you can control – at least in part – how many calories you burn every day by staying active.
Susan Bowerman is Senior Director of Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training, Herbalife Nutrition. The information provided is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions.
Reference:
[1] Source Euromonitor International Limited; per Consumer Health 2021ed, meal replacement and protein supplements definitions; combined% RSP share GBO, 2020 data
