In today's fast-changing world, where fast food is making people's bodies and minds unhealthy, people do not prefer healthy food, as healthy food has no appeal. Nowadays, with digital distractions and sedentary lifestyles dominating, it has become more important than ever to promote a balanced diet and proper nutrition among the new generation. Children, adolescents and young people are the future of any society, and their physical and mental health largely depends on what they eat, for their family, their society and the world. A balanced diet not only aids growth and development but also helps prevent a number of health problems, from obesity to diabetes and heart disease. Young people need to understand what a healthy diet is.
For every human being, a balanced diet is a way of eating that provides his or her body with all the nutrients it needs to function properly. What is a balanced diet?
For every human being, a balanced diet is a way of eating that provides his or her body with all the nutrients it needs to function properly. The following elements include the right amount of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, plenty of fibre and water, which are essential for every human being.
A balanced diet provides:
- Energy to perform daily activities, such as staying fit, education, sports and frequent work.
- Nutrients for growth, repair and protection of the body and mind.
- Immunity to fight diseases.
Awareness about Components of a Balanced Diet
- Carbohydrates - main source of energy (e.g., rice, bread, potatoes)
- Protein - for growth and repair (e.g., meat, eggs, beans, dairy products)
- Fats - needed in small amounts for energy and cell health (e.g., nuts, seeds, oils)
- Vitamins and minerals - support body functions and immunity (e.g., fruit, vegetables)
- Fibre - aids digestion (e.g., whole grains, vegetables)
- Water - keeps the body hydrated and supports all vital processes
The school is teaching students about healthy and unhealthy diets. They are not shying away from their duty and are being forced to not bring unhealthy food to the school premises. Sometimes other students also imitate this and start bringing unhealthy food to school. I appreciate all the parents who make a study timetable for their children. A diet chart is also as important as a study timetable chart. The government is spending a lot of money on the public to put hoardings on the roads. We rarely see hoardings or banners about a healthy diet on the roads. I think the government should put up banners about healthy food on the roads and intersections where the young generation comes and eats unhealthy food. If the government puts hoardings or banners in such places, then it will be good for the nation and spread awareness about a healthy diet. And save the new generation from an unhealthy life.
1. Helps in growth and development
I want to talk to you about the body structure of youth. Compare it with the people of previous generations, who had no idea about proper diet, and sometimes even lived without proper diet, yet their body structure was healthy and strong. Now you can see that today's youth have unhealthy bodies, and they cannot work for long hours, they cannot run. If they run one day, they rest the next day. They are not mentally and physically healthy. Youth is the time when they can develop their body and mind.
Young people crave attractive food, which lacks protein, calcium, iron and vitamins, which can weaken bones, muscles and tissues instead of strengthening them.
2. Improves brain function
Proper diet is very important for every human being, be it a student, employee or a sportsperson, as proper nutrition improves concentration, memory and learning ability. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and B-vitamins help in brain development and mental alertness, which are essential for academic success.
3. Prevention of health problems
Unhealthy food/diet always brings diseases, initially it may not show its effect on the body and mind, but surely it can affect the whole body. Most of the hotels, restaurants and street food vendors use many unhealthy food items which can be harmful to our body, and a regular habit of eating outside food can lead to many diseases, which are mentioned below.
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Nutrient deficiencies (like anaemia).
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Nutrient deficiencies (like anaemia)
Now let's talk about healthy diets and their benefits. Eating healthy food now reduces the risk of diseases in the future.
4. Strengthens immunity
Young people need seasonal fruits instead of street food, which can make them healthier. Include fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods in your menu every day that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins (such as vitamin C and E), which boost immunity and help the body fight infections and diseases in young people. Parents should pay attention to their school-going children. Their future should be healthy in body and mind.
5. Improves mental health
Meditating and exercising make youths mentally and physically healthy.
As we read in the books of dietitians and their experts on diets. A balanced diet reduces the risk of depression, anxiety and stress, improves mood and emotional stability.
6. Improves energy levels
Eating a variety of healthy foods provides stable energy throughout the day. This helps youth stay active, focused, and productive whether in school, sports, or work.
7. Promotes a lifetime of healthy habits
Eating a balanced diet in youth lays the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating habits. These habits contribute to improved quality of life and longevity.
8. Promotes physical fitness
Nutrition plays a key role in athletic performance. Youth involved in sports or physical activities need the proper fuel for strength, endurance, and recovery.
A balanced diet isn’t just about eating food—it’s about eating the right foods. For youth, it means:
- Being strong.
- Thinking clearly.
- Being healthy.
- Feeling happy.
- Performing better
- Performing better
- Feeling happy
- Performing better
- Being healthy
- Feeling happy
- Performing better
- Thinking clearly
- Being healthy
- Feeling happy
- Performing better.
Let's come together, join hand in hand and save our new generation and help them a responsible and accountable youth for the country.