Why is balanced diet an important factor in leading a healthy lifestyl?

Most people who try to diet make the mistake in thinking that if they eat less they will lose weight. This often results in people going long periods of time of time without eating by skipping meals.

This has the effect of slowing down the metabolism; and the body shifts to starvation mode. The body will now do all it can to keep any fat reserves to provide the energy it is not getting through consuming food.

Of course the body will eventually lose weight but in the meantime, it is a real struggle for the dieter who is constantly hungry; not to mention demoralising as weight loss is very slow.

Through eating a balanced diet i.e. healthy foods that are not high in calories, the dieter can eat more frequently and feel more satisfied. The metabolism is maintained and even possibly increased resulting in a faster weight loss.

Also avoiding foods high in sugar, helps to keep the blood sugar level fairly constant. Too much sugar raises the blood sugar level and then when this subsides, the body begins craving more - resulting in more eating of sugar products and increasing the calorie intake.

In short, a balanced diet reduces cravings, maintains the metabolism and results in faster weight loss - not to mention the health benefits to the body.