{"id":10694,"date":"2018-01-22T10:46:41","date_gmt":"2018-01-22T10:46:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/?p=10694"},"modified":"2018-01-22T10:46:57","modified_gmt":"2018-01-22T10:46:57","slug":"balanced-meal-look-like","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gousto.co.uk\/blog\/balanced-meal-look-like","title":{"rendered":"What does a balanced meal look like?"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]There\u2019s some truth in the old saying, \u2018you are what you eat\u2019. Everything you eat affects how your body functions. Combined with regular exercise, eating a well-balanced diet helps you to stay healthy and lowers the risk of developing heart disease, cancer and diabetes. It\u2019s also important for your immune system, and for maintaining a healthy weight.<\/p>\n

Your body\u2019s needs depend on various factors including age, gender and physical activity, and will change over the course of your life. However, there are a few basic principles that make up a typical balanced meal \u2013 these apply specifically to adults, since children\u2019s needs are slightly different.<\/p>\n

The 5 main food groups:<\/b><\/h2>\n

\"protein\"<\/b><\/h3>\n

Essential for growing, repairing and building body tissues and cells. Needed to produce hormones and enzymes.<\/p>\n

\"carbohydrates\"<\/p>\n

The primary fuel for the brain and body, and a good source of fibre.<\/p>\n

\"fruit<\/p>\n

The main source of vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n

<\/b>\"fat\"<\/p>\n

Insulates the body, protects organs, and is required for hormone production and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E & K. Essential and unsaturated fats omega-3 and omega-6 lower the risk of heart disease, and reduce inflammation.<\/p>\n

\"dairy\"<\/p>\n

A good source of protein and calcium.<\/p>\n

How much should I eat per meal?!<\/b><\/h2>\n

Ideally, you want your meal plate to be made up of\u2026<\/p>\n