Nutrition

A healthy diet consists of the correct balance of protein, carbohydrate and fat (both saturated and unsaturated). This combination needs to add up to an appropriate number of calories each day to meet the demands of both the body's basic metabolic functions and daily activities.

Although many people believe they are eating healthily and consuming an appropriate amount of daily calories, this is often not the case.

Calorie restriction, usually the basis of popular diets, deprives the body of nutrients essential to health. Even if a reduction of calorie intake is necessary to reduce weight (unwanted body fat), the deficit between actual calorific expenditure and consumption needs to be limited and carefully monitored to be maintained within an acceptable range.

Simple calorie counting and restriction to a set limit does not do this effectively. Whether on a weight loss programme or eating for optimum health, a thorough analysis is advisable.