Eating a healthy, balanced diet and being physically active are two of the most important steps that you can take to improve your health and the health of your family. But what exactly is a healthy, balanced diet?
In simple terms, to eat a balanced diet you need to combine several different types of foods - from each of the main food groups - in the right amounts so that your body gets all the nutrients it needs while maintaining a healthy weight. At different stages in life you have different daily nutrient requirements. These depend on your age, whether you are male or female and how active you are.
A healthy, balanced diet for children provides essential vitamins, minerals and other nutritional goodies that kids need for healthy growth and development. Vitamins and minerals are vital for our bodies to function properly and each one plays a specific role in the body.
But how do you know you and your family are getting a full and balanced diet? Do you know what the best sources of Vitamin B12 are, and what the symptoms of deficiency might be? How can you ensure your vegan child is getting all the necessay vitamins and nutrients? What's the best way to include Omega 3 fatty acids in the family diet? How do you know if your toddler is eating a well balanced diet? Are food allergies hereditary? What foods should be avoided when making homemade baby food? Do children ever need supplements?
To help you understand the best approach for nutrition and diet for your family, we’ve asked Dietician Michelle Butler in association with Laya Healthcare to answer any questions you might have. Michelle Butler is a member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute and obtained her PG Dip in Dietetics from Kings College London. Prior to this she completed a BSc Hons in Human Nutrition at the University of Ulster. Michelle firmly believes in the importance of a healthy and varied diet, and it’s role in maintaining a healthy body weight, enhancing general wellbeing and reducing the risk of a number of diseases including heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis.
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