Main Nutrients
Carbohydrates – Your body’s main energy source.
Examples: rice, bread, fruits.-
Proteins – Build and repair tissues.
Examples: eggs, chicken, lentils. -
Fats – Support cell function and help absorb vitamins.
Examples: nuts, oils, fish. -
Vitamins – Support various body functions (e.g., Vitamin C boosts immunity).
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Minerals – Important for bones, nerves, and muscles (e.g., calcium, iron).
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Water – Essential for every process in your body.
Why Is Good Nutrition Important?
- Reduces risk of chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease)
- Supports growth and development
- Improves mood and energy
Tips for Healthy Nutrition
- Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables.
- Choose whole grains over refined grains.
- Include lean proteins (fish, legumes, poultry).
- Limit added sugars and saturated fats.
- Drink plenty of water.
Nutrition for Weight Loss (Fat Loss)
Key Principles:
- Calorie deficit: Eat fewer calories than you burn (aim for ~500/day less).
- High protein: Helps keep you full and preserves muscle.
- Low sugar & processed foods: Avoid empty calories.
- Hydration: At least 2–3 liters water daily.
Sample Daily Plan:
- Breakfast: Oats + chia + berries + almond milk
- Snack: Boiled eggs or Greek yogurt
- Lunch: Grilled chicken + quinoa + salad
- Snack: Nuts or a protein shake
- Dinner: Veggie stir-fry + tofu or paneer
Nutrition for Muscle Gain (Lean Bulk)
Key Principles:
- Calorie surplus: Eat ~250–500 more calories per day.
- High protein intake: 1.6–2.2g per kg of body weight.
- Complex carbs: Fuel workouts and recovery.
- Healthy fats: Support hormones and joint health.
Sample Daily Plan:
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Breakfast: 4 eggs + whole wheat toast + banana
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Snack: Whey protein + peanut butter toast
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Lunch: Brown rice + chicken + spinach
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Snack: Cottage cheese + almonds
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Dinner: Salmon + sweet potato + broccoli
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Post-workout: Protein shake + fruit
Nutrition for Special Conditions
Examples:
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Diabetes: Low GI foods, balance carbs + fiber, limit sugar.
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PCOS: Low-carb + high-fiber diet, avoid dairy & sugar spikes.
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Hypertension: Low salt, more potassium (bananas, leafy greens).
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Thyroid: Include selenium (Brazil nuts), iodine (iodized salt), and avoid excess soy.
Protein – The Body’s Building Blocks
What It Does:
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Builds and repairs muscles and tissues
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Makes enzymes, hormones, and antibodies
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Helps keep you feeling full
Daily Requirement:
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Sedentary adults: ~0.8 g per kg body weight
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Active individuals: 1.2–2.0 g per kg
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Older adults & athletes: Higher needs
Best Sources:
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Animal: chicken, fish, eggs, dairy
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Plant: lentils, chickpeas, tofu, quinoa
Deficiency Symptoms:
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Muscle loss
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Weak immunity
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Fatigue
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Edema (swelling)
Too Much Protein?
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Usually safe for healthy people
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Can strain kidneys in pre-existing kidney disease
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Excess calories still stored as fat