Macro Nutrients - Eating a Balanced Diet

Macronutrients are the basis of our foods and provide us with energy. The foods under this classification are proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

• For your protein, eat plenty of legumes or pulses like dals/lentils, peas, beans, chickpeas/garbanzo and split peas If you eat meat, try to eat lean meats, poultry without the skin and fish. Eat reduced fat diary for your milk, yogurt and cheese. Protein won't increase your blood glucose level and is valuable for satisfying appetite. The usual recommended protein intake is 15 to 20 per cent of your total energy intake. More about Proteins.
  
• For your carbohydrates, consume plenty of vegetables and fruits. Fresh, dried and canned fruits are all suitable, and you can eat as much as you like of most non-starchy vegetables (leafy greens, carrots, tomatoes, onions, etc). Choose whole grains with low glycemic index for your breads, rice, pasta and noodles. More about Carbohydrates.
  
• Fibers are classified under carbohydrates. It is an essential part of a healthful diet. Plant foods are the only sources of dietary fiber. Since they are indigestible and do not contribute any nutrients to the body, for many years, people overlooked their importance. The emphasis shifted to taste and people didn't think too much about consuming white breads over whole wheat. In reality, fibers offer a host of benefits. More about Fiber.
  
• Fats have a bad reputation as they are associated with obesity. However, a healthy body requires fat in the diet. The key is to eat the right kind of fat and avoid the harmful ones. More about Fats.
  
• 75% of our body is water, 85% of our brain is water - Water is the most important "nutrition" that our body needs! More on Water.