A proper fitness diet should ensure an adequate intake of nutrients, carbohydrates, and minerals along with the right proportion of fat that is required for healthy living. A fitness diet that incorporates these nutrients in the correct amounts can also be referred to as a balanced diet.
Proteins in a fitness diet
A diet with eggs, meat, fish, chicken and pulses can provide the necessary amount of proteins required by the body. Cereals such as rice, wheat, millet and barley should also form a part of the daily diet. Vitamins and minerals, essential components of a fitness diet, can be found in green and yellow vegetables and fruits.
Fats as part of a fitness diet
Animal fats can be found in milk and dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, butter and cottage cheese. These should also be included in the diet but care should be taken to limit their consumption, as they are highly fattening and tend to pack a lot of cholesterol.
Fish flesh includes animal fats but also offers Omega-3 Fatty Acids that are important for cardiovascular health. Certain plant products such as olive oil, macadamia nut oil, canola oil, peanut oil, and most nuts while cholesterol free themselves provide monounsaturated fats which help to both decrease the LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase the HDL (good) cholesterol in the bloodstream.
The best fitness diet is a balanced diet
In order to plan out a perfect fitness diet, a minimum of one ingredient from each group (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) should be included in every meal consumed. An ideal fitness diet should consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals and breads, dried beans and nuts.
Full cream milk should be replaced with low cream or skimmed milk, as the former is quite heavy and fattening. Fish and chicken should be given preference over red meat products and these should be roasted, baked or boiled instead of fried. These methods might take a little more time at first, but they will help keep the excessive calories at bay.
Supplements in a fitness diet
Supplements are a common component of many fitness diets. These are particularly common among professional athletes and fitness freaks. However they are also quite common among individuals who believe supplements are the easiest and the best way to achieve fast results, but they are not a viable alternative to eating right.
Before undertaking a fitness diet, it is advisable to consult a physician or a nutritionist as they have the best knowledge about the subject and can give the necessary guidelines.
However, research indicates that it is best if you keep yourself away from nutritional supplements and ergogenic aids that promise an increased academic or athletic performance. Instead, the same money should be spent on natural, healthy food.
For example, youngsters often resort to multivitamin supplements, especially during examinations, to substitute their meals, which lead them open to additional stress and anxiety. An easier and healthier alternative would be to eat fresh fruits and vegetables instead.
Breakfast is essential as part of a fitness diet
Breakfast is the most vital meal of the day as it provides the necessary fuel to get the body started. A breakfast therefore should be healthy and must contain a substantial amount of fiber and carbohydrates.
Breakfast cereals, oatmeal, yogurt, or a bagel along with some cream, cheese or your favorite jam are some of the healthy breakfast recommendations. Experts also advise that the breakfast should not consist of only coffee.
The body needs to be fuelled with the necessary nutrients early in the morning to keep it working throughout the day. Hence, some proper, solid food should be consumed.
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