KOMPAS.com – Prabowo-Gibran’s free nutritious meal program will start on Monday (6/1/2024).
Apart from relying on this program, we should also continue to strive to meet the need for healthy and nutritious food for health.
Eating healthy and nutritious doesn’t have to be complicated. You can care for your body while still enjoying the foods you love.
Also read: Chicken Liver Ball Stew Recipe, Nutritious Meal Menu
The key is to start with small changes and ensure each meal or snack is high in nutrition and avoid processed foods as much as possible.
Food is a source of energy that provides the calories and nutrients the body needs to function.
If your diet lacks calories or certain nutrients, your health can suffer.
Conversely, excess calories can cause weight gain and the risk of serious diseases such as:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
Additionally, diet quality influences disease risk, longevity and mental health.
Research shows that diets high in ultra-processed foods increase the risk of mortality, cancer, and heart disease.
Also read: 5 immune-boosting teas that you must try, according to nutritionists
In contrast, diets rich in whole foods, such as the Mediterranean diet, are associated with longevity and protection against disease.
The basis of a healthy diet
Nutrient density
Nutrition is the main priority compared to calories alone. Nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals are very important for the body.
For example, egg whites are low in calories but also low in important nutrients compared to whole eggs.
Illustration of nutritious food.
Some highly nutritious foods, such as fruit and vegetables, are low in calories, while foods such as nuts and fatty fish are high in calories but still healthy.
As much as possible, choose foods that are rich in nutrients such as vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, fatty fish and eggs.
Diversity of healthy food
A diverse, healthy diet supports gut bacteria, healthy weight, longevity, and protection from chronic disease.
