Understanding Basic Food Types Can Help You Eat Healthier

A Balanced Diet is Key to Success

All the food you eat, whether its a green salad or cheeseburger meal, is composed of the same three basic types of food; carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These food types form the building blocks for all the food and drink you consume every day.  The food types all break down further into more specific food types.  Carbohydrates for example include fiber which aids your body in digestion and sugars which your body can use for energy.  The human body requires all these different food types in different forms and amounts in order to function efficiently.  By understanding all the different food types and how they affect your body you can take more control over your diet and lifestyle.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates include the food types our bodies use to produce energy including sugar and starches. The bulk of the carbohydrates we consume during the day comes in the form of cereals or grain,starches, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and most sweeteners we use including sugar. It is these foods that our bodies use to create energy throughout the day. Fiber, is a non digestable type of carbohydrate found often in vegetables which can help significantly during digestion

Protein

Proteins are often considered the building blocks of life.  Proteins are the primary component of most body tissue and are crucial in growing, maintaining, and repairing healthy bodies.  Proteins are the main component of all the bodies muscles which makes them of significant importance in any diet or exercise plan. Without proper fueling including adequate protein you may not be able to experience the most benefit from your fitness or exercise routine. Foods high in protein include eggs, milk, meat, fish,  nuts, and some fruits. The proper amount of protein from the right sources is crucial to a balanced diet and your overall fitness.

Fats

Fats may sound like something you want to avoid when beginning and diet plan but in reality fats are required by your body just as much as carbohydrates or proteins. The key to successfuly consuming fats for healthy weight loss is to understand the different types of fats in foods and how they will affect your nutrion plan. Most fats are broken down into saturated fat and unsaturated fats, by understandsing the difference you will be better able to eat the right foods.  Saturated fats are often considered the bad fats and can contribute to clogged arteries.  Unsaturated fats found in oils and are beneficial.