Diet and Nutrition Essentials
A balanced diet isn't just about eating your vegetables - it's about getting the right mix of nutrients your body actually needs. Carbohydrates from bread, potatoes, and pasta give you energy for daily activities, whilst lipids (fats) from nuts and dairy provide long-term energy storage and keep you warm.
Proteins are your body's building materials, found in eggs, meat, and fish - they help you grow and repair damaged tissues. Vitamins and minerals might be needed in tiny amounts, but they're absolutely crucial for keeping your body's processes running smoothly.
Don't forget about dietary fibre from fruits and vegetables (keeps your digestive system happy) and water (helps transport everything around your body). Malnutrition happens when this balance goes wrong, leading to problems like obesity, starvation, or deficiency diseases.
Key Point: Think of your diet like fuel for a car - you need the right mix to keep everything running at peak performance!