Type 2 Diabetes and Healthy Eating - The Importance of Eating a Balanced Diet

By Beverleigh H Piepers

Eating a balanced diet is a challenge. It is entirely different in theory than in practice: it is easy to imagine yourself eating well and reaping the health benefits. It feels good to visualize the results - a leaner and healthier appearance is always a welcome bonus. Not to mention all the internal changes in your health regardless of the issues you might be facing.
A balanced diet is not a solution on its own, but it is a powerful tool with the potential to change a great number of health issues. Firstly, your body needs a variety of nutrients in adequate proportions. Besides a proper balance of carbs, fats, and proteins, you need to consume an array of vitamins and minerals. If you do not, over time it will lead to deficiencies, which mean poor performance. On the surface, you will feel fatigued. Internally, you will have a greater risk of...

• illness,
• infection and even
• disease.

A stronger immune system is enough to justify eating a balanced diet, and this is especially true as you age. A balanced diet becomes even more significant when you factor in common conditions like Type 2 diabetes and obesity. These are health problems which are often a consequence of a poor diet. Eating a balanced diet alone will not be the solution, but it will provide great assistance.

The first idea many people come up with when it comes to eating well is to eat more fruit and vegetables, followed by reducing the amount of junk food consumed. This is part of the balanced diet equation, but there is more - proportions are the key to a balanced diet.
You ought to include...

• fruit and vegetables,
• whole grains, and
• lean sources of protein

in your diet. Even more important, however, is they should comprise the majority of your daily intake. For instance, if your next meal includes rice, turkey breast, and a palm-sized portion of broccoli and cauliflower, it is going to be a decent meal. But it could be made better. Odds are, there is too much rice on your plate. Reduce your brown rice portion to a palm-size, and double your intake of vegetables. Add some spinach or salad to your plate to include additional sources of vitamins and minerals: this adjustment serves many purposes. But mainly it improves the quality of your meal while reducing your caloric intake.

When it comes to proteins, focus on lean meats...

• chicken,
• fish,
• turkey, and
• extra-lean beef

are great options.
For fats, it is mostly about avoiding what is most harmful...

• anything deep fried, or
• excessive portions.

Use extra virgin olive oil instead of vegetable oil.
There is much more to eating a balanced diet. If you have the initiative, you will learn more as you go. Don't take your nutrition for granted. Eating well matters.

Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.

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