Balanced nutrition is one of the most important pillars of health, yet even though we’re surrounded by food, this also seems to be one of our biggest challenges. While eating healthy has some main guidelines that are universally applicable, finding the approach to food and eating is something you need to do on your own terms.

These circumstances, as well as outdated notions about the food we were brought up with, don’t do us or our gut any favors, which makes it even more important to understand how our body works and the types of nutrients it needs to thrive. Understanding how to create balanced meals is a cornerstone of a healthy life and gut microbiome, so let’s discuss the importance of nutrient diversity on your plate.

Know Your Macronutrients

One of the greatest stumbling blocks in having a well-balanced nutrition is that we’re not taught just how much what we eat affects every aspect of our being. Our gut acts as the headquarters of our body – our immune system, hormone regulation, and the entire nervous system are dependent on its balance, yet a huge number of people are struggling with it.

A lot of people are quick to say that eating certain foods will “make you fat” or “help you burn fat,” but that’s an oversimplistic view of things. The truth is that you need to know and understand your body so that you can give it what it needs.

This is where macronutrients come into play. Proteins, carbohydrates, and fats are the Big Three, the foundation for every balanced meal. Contrary to popular opinion, none of the macronutrients is inherently “good” or “bad,” each of them has a specific role in your metabolism, and if one is lacking or there’s too much of it, problems ensue. So let’s talk about their importance and why you should include them all in your meals in adequate portions:

• Proteins are the building blocks of our body, and this is a well-known fact. They’re in charge of some of the most important processes in our metabolism, including guarding our immune system, providing the body with amino acids to help us build and repair our muscle mass (as well as our skin and hair), and allowing us to stay full longer by eating protein-rich foods. Some of the best sources of protein are beans (in all shapes and forms), lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish), dairy, and nuts. 

• Carbohydrates are not the devil in disguise, even though they’re often portrayed as such. They’re our body’s most important source of energy and deserve a prominent place in your diet. The key to carbs is to eat them moderately and always in combination with proteins and fats. You want to include complex carbs in your everyday meals, and you can find those in fruits, grains, seeds, and vegetables. When eaten in moderation, carbs help you keep your energy leveled and completely sidetrack mid-day sleepiness and fatigue. 

• Fats are another macronutrient that gets a bad rep. Not only are they a fantastic source of energy, but they also support vital bodily functions, such as maintaining the integrity of cell membranes, boosting brain function, and reducing chronic inflammation. Healthy fats are necessary for improved absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E, and they directly impact the production of estrogen, cortisol, and testosterone. You’ll find your healthy fats in oils (olive and fish), nuts, seeds, yogurt, tofu, and more. Keep in mind that saturated and trans fats are the ones that can cause health issues.

Finding balance in your nutrition is based on these three macronutrients, and they should be represented on your plate every day in order to have a healthy gut microbiome. If you’re struggling to lose weight, finding ways to bring your gut health to an optimal level should be your primary goal because that will help you balance out everything else. Sure, there are other ways to obtain your ideal weight, and anything from copious amounts of cardio to the best ESG treatments for stomach tightening is an option, but if you want to improve your overall health, cultivating your gut’s microbiome is the best approach.

Know Your Micronutrients

Even though their name suggests they’re tiny, the role of micronutrients in your gut health is anything but. This is another reason why it’s so crucial to dedicate time and effort to creating balanced meals for yourself, you want them to be rich in both micro and macronutrients. Here are some of the essential vitamins and minerals that should be present on your plate:

• Vitamin B improves the health of your gut’s lining and can help prevent a leaky gut. Also excellent for calming an overstressed metabolism.
  
• Vitamin D is a must if you’re dealing with constant inflammation and need help alleviating it before you start healing. This vitamin is also vital for a strong immune system and bone health.
  
• Zinc is invaluable in promoting nutrient absorption from your gut to your bloodstream, and it also plays a big role in maintaining your immune system.

• Iron is not only essential for the unobstructed production of hemoglobin and oxygen transport in the blood, but it also plays a big part in supporting the gut lining health and ensuring that the entire gut ecosystem runs smoothly. 

Conclusion

A balanced meal is a thing of beauty, as it combines all the micronutrients and macronutrients you need, tastes delicious, and is satisfying. It may take trial and error to understand what your personal nutrient requirements are, but once you dedicate some time to it, you’re all but guaranteed to improve your gut health and, with it, your overall welfare.