Do You Eat A Balanced Diet?

Having a balanced diet is ensuring that you are eating from all the right food groups, it is
the key to maintaining a healthy weight and overall good health. You’re probably thinking
how does this link to osteopathy? Well heres how…

If you do not eat a balanced diet your body is at greater risk of many diseases, for
example, high blood pressure, heart disease, joint problems and many more.

As osteopaths we take a whole-body, holistic approach to care and eating a balanced diet
is key to this concept. Your body is always moving and constantly needs to fuel and
maintain itself. By eating well, you help prevent disease and injury, boost your immune
system and even aid recovery should you need treatment.

To make sure your body is getting the right mix of vitamins and minerals your diet should
include the right proportion of food from each major food group:

• Fruit and vegetables are the most important part of having a balanced diet as they are
  rich in vitamins, minerals and fibres, they will support a healthy immune system, improve
  digestion and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Lean proteins are important to ensuring that your muscles repair properly and your
  immune system is functioning correctly.
• Dairy is essential for ensuring you get calcium and vitamin D, they help to form strong
  bones!
• Healthy Fats like nuts and seeds will support your brain health and function and they help
  to reduce inflammation and maintain healthy skin!

There are more food groups that provide benefits to the body – why not check out the
Eatwell Guide [ The Eatwell Guide – NHS (www.nhs.uk) ] to help visualize what a balanced
diet looks like.

What we eat can have a huge impact on our physical and mental health and a healthy diet
is one of the biggest ways we can help ourselves to reach optimal function. If you are ever
unsure about what foods you should be eating please consult a nutritionist or your doctor.