You may have heard that there are different types of eating, but what does this really mean? It’s an important question to consider, especially if you have someone in your life who has an eating disorder.
Having an eating disorder means that you have unhealthy thoughts and emotions related to food, weight or body image. This is a serious mental health condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or ethnicity.
Eating disorders usually start in adolescence and young adulthood but can occur at any time during your life. These conditions are often linked to genetics and personality traits, such as neuroticism, perfectionism and impulsivity.
There are a range of eating behaviors that can signal an eating disorder, including avoiding certain foods, binge eating, purging by vomiting or using laxatives, and exercising excessively. These habits can be triggered by a person’s feelings or situations and can be extremely dangerous for them and others around them.
Healthy eating is all about getting enough of the essential nutrients that our bodies need, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fibre and vitamins and minerals. It also involves choosing a variety of different foods from each of the 5 major food groups, in the amounts recommended by your doctor or dietitian.
Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a balanced diet, providing colour, flavour and the nutrients we need. They are a good source of fibre and antioxidants. They are also a good source of potassium and calcium.
Protein is another key nutrient in a healthy diet, with a wide variety of different types of protein available, both animal and plant-based. Eat a variety of proteins to ensure you are getting the correct balance of amino acids, which are the building blocks for the cells in your body.
You can get your protein from meat and dairy products, but if you are vegetarian, you should make sure you have plenty of beans and legumes in your diet too. These foods are packed with nutrients and are lower in saturated fat than other sources of protein.
These foods also contain iron and vitamin C, which can help fight off disease. In fact, research has shown that people who eat more fruits and vegetables have a lower risk of mortality from all causes.
Eating a variety of foods from each of the 5 major food groups will provide you with all the essential nutrients you need to keep your body strong, healthy and happy. Adding a wide variety of different foods to your diet can also help to keep your meals interesting, so you’ll stay excited about what you eat.
