Striking the Right Balance in What We Eat Daily - By Anurupa Pal

In continuation to what I had written about in my previous article, I’d like to delve deeper into the importance of striking the right balance in our daily diet. Many of us have realized that unhealthy eating patterns cause mood swings not only in children but also in adults. It's crucial to understand that without a steady source of fuel from the food we consume, our minds and bodies cannot function effectively.

Numerous studies have established a link between negative emotions and unhealthy food consumption. Today, people are becoming increasingly conscious of their diet, and for good reason. Consuming too many carbohydrates, such as sugary snacks and white bread, can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to irritability and fatigue. To live a healthy life, we must closely monitor what we consume.

Many of us make resolutions, especially as the New Year approaches, to clean up our diets and make healthier lifestyle choices. However, despite starting with enthusiasm, we often fail to stick to these resolutions. Consulting with a nutritionist can help determine which dietary lifestyle works best for you. Remember, consistency is key to good health. Avoid cutting out entire food groups, as many popular diets suggest, because it makes meeting daily vitamin and mineral requirements challenging.

How to Find Balance in Eating:

1. Eat at least five portions of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day, aiming to include as many colors as possible.

2. Include beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat, and other proteins in your diet.

3. Consume dairy or dairy alternatives.

4. Eliminate cold drinks, sugary beverages, and refined wheat flour from your diet.

5. Incorporate millets, ragi, nuts, and seeds, which offer high nutritional value.

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, we must recognize that without balanced nutrition, our bodies are more prone to disease, fatigue, and low performance. Good nutrition enhances performance in sports, academics, careers, and other areas. What we eat significantly impacts our ability to perform well in all aspects of life, including work. To sustain and achieve our goals, we must improve our focus and concentration.

Let us pledge to make healthy eating a priority, fueling our bodies and minds to achieve success both personally and professionally.