People often think of a diet as a specific weight-loss plan, but diet is simply the types and amounts of food we eat.A good diet must include a balance of several food groups, as no single group can provide everything we need for good health. With the increasing number of obese people, there is so much information available that finding a suitable option can be overwhelming, but a few simple changes can make a diet more healthful and reduce the risk of numerous medical problems.Having a balanced diet means choosing from all five main food groups, in the right quantities.

Sugars occur naturally in some foods, such as fruits, or they can be added as a sweetener. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain, heart problems, blood sugar imbalances, and other health issues. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommend limiting added sugar to 6 teaspoons a day or less for women, and 9 teaspoons a day for men.

Whole grains

Examples of whole grains are cereals like maize millet, sorghum and rice and bread from wheat

Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Choosing a variety of them can help maximize the intake of nutrients. The American Heart Association recommend consuming 8 or more servings of fruits and vegetables daily. This equates to about 4.5 cups per day for the average person who consumes around 2,000 calories. Juices labeled “100 percent” are considered part of this food group, but eating whole fruits or vegetables is better, as it will provide more fiber. Research shows that a good intake of fruit and vegetables can protect against heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.

Vital for repairing tissues in the body, many protein-rich foods also contain high levels of minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc. Excellent sources of protein include meats, fish, and eggs. Beans, nuts and soya are protein options for those on a vegetarian diet. Dairy products can be a good source of calcium and other minerals. A calcium-rich diet promotes healthy bones and teeth. Low-fat milk, yoghurt, and cheese are recommended sources of proteins.

Fats are important for brain health, energy, absorption of certain vitamins, and for skin, hair, and joint health. Saturated fats are present in cream, fatty meat, and fried foods. Too much saturated fat can lead to cardiovascular disease.

Unsaturated fats are present in plant vegetables like avocado and sunflower, simsim and ground nuts and oily fish. They help reduce the “bad” cholesterol in blood. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that healthy fats should make up less than 30 percent of total calories.

Choosing from all the food groups will not guarantee a balanced diet. Here are six tips to help you eat your way to better health.

Tip 1: Manage portion size

People of different ages, genders, and activity levels need different amounts of food, but many people take in more energy than they use. The AHA explain that a portion is what we choose to eat, while a serving is the amount of food listed on the nutrition facts label. Examples of servings are one slice of bread and one wedge of melon. Paying attention to what a serving is, how many calories are in a serving, and how much you are eating can make the difference between obesity and maintaining a healthy weight.

Tip 2: Eat fresh and avoid processed food

Fresh foods offer more nutrients and fewer additives. Fresh foods are more likely to be “nutrient rich,” while processed foods are often “energy-rich,” with added fats and sugars. Whole foods, such as fresh fruit, are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Processed foods not only contain added ingredients, including dyes and preservatives, but the processing itself can destroy nutrients. Some processed foods contain little nutritional value. Consuming a high proportion of processed foods can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Tip 3: Limit added sugars

Naturally occurring sugars include fructose, found in fruit, and lactose, in dairy products. Adding sugar to foods and drinks enhances the flavor but adds little or no nutritional value.

Replacing sweetened sodas with sparkling water and drinking alcohol in moderation can further reduce excess calories. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend limiting alcohol intake to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

Tip 4: Replace animal fats in the diet

Animal produce is often high in saturated fats. These are difficult for the body to break down, so levels of harmful cholesterol in the body can rise, potentially leading to heart disease. Unsaturated fats are found in oily fish and nuts, and these are more health, taken in moderation.