Healthy DIETARY CHOICES for lifelong health
- 2. Introduction Nutrition is the study of nutrients in food, how the body use them, and the relationship between diet, health and disease. As humans we all require different types of diets for different reasons and which will keep us in the best of health. Diet is the combination of foods we consume over time.
- 3. Dietary Choices Dietary choices are the habitual decisions of individuals or group of people regarding what foods they eat. Proper dietary choices require the consumption of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, water and fats. Dietary habits and choices play a significant role in human health.
- 4. Continuation Dietary choices determine consumers' dietary and energy intakes, and in turn their risk of obesity and diet- related diseases. Factors affecting food choices are complex, varied, and inter-connected.
- 5. Factors that can determine dietary choices
- 6. Types of diets There are various types of diets we can choose base on our health and dietary needs and these include: Normal Diet The Paleo Diet The Mediterranean Diet The Vegan Diet The Vegetarian Diet The Low carb Diet
- 7. Normal Diet The regular diet can also be referred to as a general or normal diet. Its purpose is to provide a well-balanced diet and ensure that individuals who do not require dietary modifications receive adequate nutrition. Based on the Dietary Guidelines and the Food Guide Pyramid, it incorporates a wide variety of foods and adequate caloric intake.
- 8. The Paleo Diet The paleo diet is a very popular diet that is effective for weight loss and general health improvement. It’s currently the world’s most popular diet. A Paleo diet consists of fish, fowl, vegetables, fruits, nuts, oils, sweet potatoes, eggs and meat, so long as that meat is grass-fed and not grain-fed.
- 9. The Mediterranean Diet The Mediterranean diet is an excellent diet that has been thoroughly studied. It’s particularly effective for heart disease prevention. it includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, whole grains, legumes, dairy products, and extra virgin olive oil.
- 10. The Vegan Diet A vegan or plant-based diet excludes all animal products, including meat, dairy, and eggs. When people follow it correctly, a vegan diet can be highly nutritious, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and aid weight loss.
- 11. The Vegetarian Diet A vegetarian diet is one that does not include any meat or seafood. However, there are many variations to this – some people following a vegetarian diet may eat eggs and dairy foods, while others may avoid one or both. A well-balanced vegetarian or vegan diet can provide many health benefits, such as a reduced risk of chronic diseases, including: obesity, coronary heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes and some types of cancer.
- 12. The Low Carb Diet A low carb diet is one that limits carbohydrates, primarily found in sugary foods, pasta, and bread. Instead of eating carbs, you focus on protein-rich whole foods and vegetables. Studies show that low carb diets can result in weight loss and improved health markers.
- 13. Benefits of good dietary choices May help you live longer Keeps skin, teeth, and eyes healthy Supports muscles Boosts immunity Strengthens bones Lowers risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers Supports healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding Helps the digestive system function Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight