The 6th truth about Kasia. Healthy eating for a lifetime (2)

Nice to meet you once again, my dear reader!

I hope you have read the 1st part of Healthy eating for a lifetime (1). 

Today I am going to analyse the rest of the healhty eating pyramid. Just to make sure you know what I am writing about I am posting the same pic once again.

Last time I discussed the importance of physical activity, regular body weight check and the difference between hunger, appetite and craving. 

This time let's talk about main food group. I am sure you are able to distinguish them.

1. Vegetables- a vital source of vitamins, minerals and fibre. Should form a major part of your diet.
2. Fruits- packed with essential nutrients, fruits provide a good source of carbohydrates, fibre and vitamins.
3. Bread, cereals, pasta and potatoes- the food in this group are a valuable source of carbohydrates and fibre.
4. Dairy food- milk and dairy products are an important source of protein, vitamins and minerals.
5. Protein food- this group includes meat, poultry and fish.

Fantastic! Yes, all is great, but...honestly... Do we really know what do all these words mean?!

VITAMINS- naturally occuring chemicals essential for health. They contain no calories, they are important for normal growth and development. Vitamins are necessary for the body to use the calories provided by the food that we eat.

Take a look at a very general description of the essential vitamins- what are they good for, what happens when you don't provide enough of them to your body, what is daily intake and where to find them (no, I am not talking about pills!):

MINERALS- are substances orginating in rocks and metal ores. They work together in making and breaking down body tissues and in regulating metabolism- the chemical reactions constantly occuring in the body.

Once again- some little help. General information about minerals that you need. 

FIBRE- oh, my favourite one! Little helper with huge power:) It' s essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. There are two types of dietary fibre: soluble fibre, which can dissolve in water; and insoluble fibre, which does not have this ability. Food that are high in dietary fibre often take longer to eat and they increase feeling of fullness after meal because they slow down the passage of food throught the intestine.

CARBOHYDRATES= source of energy!!! They are obtained from grains, bread, rice and pasta, as well as from fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Carbohydrates provide energy for all the body's activities. As they are digested, they are broken down into simple sugars, such as glucose. 

Hope tha above short explanation and pix help you to understand basic functions of healthy diet.

More interesting information and essential facts about the healthy eating habits soon.

Sleep well and do not overeat.

Kasia