Balanced Diets Can Only Be Maintained By Eating Expensive Foods

Introduction

People in 2020 on various platforms say things like ‘You need to spend more to have a great body or to get a balanced diet’ which in my opinion, being a consumer of many products, who have been buying normal daily usage products, is quite a bit of a stretch. Of course there are genuine products which seem to get a bit heavy on ones pocket, but there are equally better alternatives which are also competing in the market, which keeps them in check to how much their competitive brands are charging.

So what comprises a balanced diet?

Foods that we eat throughout the day which has carbohydrates, fats, proteins which are grouped under macronutrients as they are needed in our body in greater amounts and, vitamins and minerals which are grouped under micronutrients which are necessary for the body to properly utilise the macronutrients and other day to day functions of the body.

So this is one of the most basic foundations one needs to understand.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are the energy packs we require to perform day to day activities. It also prevents fats and proteins from being used up as energy. Carbohydrates are found in various foods like bread, pasta, chocolates, etc.

Also 1 unit of carbohydrate provide 4 Kcal of energy.

Fats

Fats are also energy packs for our body but as it has more than double the times of energy that of carbohydrates their purpose becomes different. The main function of fat cells is to protect the vital organs of the body from shocks or damages and as storage for energy when the body feels low on carbohydrates. Fats also keep the body warm in cold temperatures. Fats can be found from butter, cream, lard, animal fat, refined butter, etc.

Here, 1 unit of Fat provide 9Kcal of energy.

Proteins

Proteins are known as the building blocks of cells. Protein is needed when there is wear and tear of muscles, repairing the body from injuries and is also important in growing individuals. That is the main function of the proteins. Proteins can be found in Red meat, white meat, eggs soya chunks, pulses.

Vitamins and Minerals

There are many vitamins and minerals. I will not bore one with all functions of each vitamins and minerals but briefly tell about all of them. And honestly there are much better in detailed explanation of each one of them in various articles.

The different types of vitamins include A, C, D, E, and K, and the B vitamins which can be further divided into  Thiamin (B₁), Riboflavin (B₂), niacin (B₃), Pantothenic acid (B₅), Pyridoxal (B₆), Cobalamin (B₁₂), Biotin, and Folate/Folic acid.

The different types of minerals are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium potassium, chloride and sulphur. And trace minerals are iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride and selenium.

Vitamins and Minerals can be found from fruits, green leafy vegetables, the fruits and vergetables many of us used to sideline as they didnot taste good have much amounts of vitamins and or minerals.

Analysis

So we learnt that all the foods that are required for the balance of diets can also be achieved by having simple foods. All the exotic things one promotes can put a hole in your wallet.  The nutrients one’s body needs can be fulfilled from the local market.

Yes, I understand that the Food Habits of the people are India is not very balanced. We tend to have more of carbohydrates than proteins which are needed much more than an average Indian consumes. Studies show that more than 60% of the average Indians are not consuming the required amount of protein for smooth functioning thus leading to poor muscle health.

That needs to be addressed. Spending on right items is far much better than just spending more.

So buy smart be smart. There are various articles which stresses enough on buying the right items and maybe finding a better alternative at home only.

This article is just a brief introduction to types of nutrients that are required by the body without creating the hype of buying overhyped, overpriced items.

Thank you. If someone wants more information on the article please go ahead and ask. And if you have any suggestions for me on how to improve the quality and way of presentation please come forward.