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How to build the basics of a healthy diet

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Exeter chapter.

How to form the basics of a healthy diet

When you don’t know much about nutrition, it’s difficult to know where to start when building a good diet. By following these quick and easy steps, you will be able to gain a basic understanding of what foods you need to fuel your body the right way.

Start with high protein

Protein should be made the staple of all your meals and snacks where possible. Eating protein is hugely beneficial because it promotes muscle growth, maintains fat loss, and helps to balance your blood sugar levels, and is even proven to help your ability to concentrate!

Go easy on the fat

This one may seem obvious but it may be a shock to some people just how fatty some of the food you eat is. It’s amazing how the calories in butter, olive oil, milk and cream can add up. Just one serving of olive oil has a whopping 14g of fat and 123 calories. Go for alternatives such as fry light, or if you love the oily texture opt for coconut oil instead; due to being made up of a unique composition of fatty acids, it allows for a quick source of energy.

Eat plenty of vegetables

Not only do vegetables have a whole host of health benefits, they are essentially a “free” food. By that, it means that they are very filling for their calorific worth. Ideally, at every meal around half of your plate should be made up by vegetables. If you utilise their benefits you will be on track to a healthy diet in no time.  

Stay away from processed food where possible

Calorie wise, processed food may sometimes be a better option, but in terms of health they aren’t too great. In particular, processed meat (such as bacon, cured meat, canned meat) has consistently been linked to harmful effects on health, and studies have shown that it regularly has links to various chronic diseases. Opt for whole, fresh foods where you can in order to have a satisfying and healthy diet.

I am a second year student studying Politics with Sociology at the University of Exeter. I have a passion for exercise, fitness, and writing.