Eating nutritiously on a daily basis is crucial to maintaining long-term well-being. Fad diets promise quick results but often can’t live up to their claims over time. Following a balanced diet ensures you’re nourishing your body in a reliable way that can improve your health and wellness throughout your entire life. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to constructing a healthy diet.
Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day. It fuels your body with energy and nutrients to help you stay focused. Whether you’re an early or late riser, try to eat within an hour or two after getting up. It’s your chance to kick-start the day with essential nutrients.
Some of the benefits of eating breakfast include:1
What to eat:
What to avoid:
It’s time to refuel! Lunch is your opportunity to boost your energy for the rest of the day. Aim for a balanced meal with a variety of nutrients to keep you energized and avoid an afternoon slump. Space your meals four to six hours apart. A good lunch can set you up for a productive afternoon.
Some of the benefits of eating lunch include:2
What to eat:
What to avoid:
Dinner is a great time to round out your nutritional needs for the day, but avoid overeating. Aim for a lighter meal with plenty of vegetables and lean proteins to help with digestion and avoid going to bed too full. Eat at least three hours before bedtime to give your body time to digest food and regulate blood sugar levels.
Some of the benefits of eating an early dinner include:4
What to eat:5
What to avoid:
Snacks can either support or sabotage a healthy diet. They should help fill the gap between meals to sustain your energy without ruining your appetite for the next meal.
What to eat:
What to avoid:
Building a healthy diet means making consistent, daily choices you can stick with over time. Health is a marathon, not a sprint, so cultivate a diet that supports your body for a lifetime and gives you the energy to serve the Lord and your community.
We’re here to advocate for your health, whether you’re tracking wellness goals, navigating complex health issues or choosing a health plan with biblical values. For more information, contact us at Insurance@GuideStone.org or 1-844-INS-GUIDE (1-844-467-4843), Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.
GuideStone® welcomes the opportunity to share this general information. However, this article is not intended to be relied upon as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
1Health.ClevelandClinic.org/do-you-really-need-to-eat-breakfast
2LiveStrong.com/article/449208-why-is-lunch-so-important/
3WebMD.com/diet/news/20240605/why-sugary-drinks-may-be-the-unhealthiest-food-out-there
4Health.ClevelandClinic.org/is-eating-before-bed-bad-for-you
5Health.Harvard.edu/healthbeat/building-a-plan-for-healthy-eating
6Newsroom.Heart.org/news/increased-heart-disease-risk-from-red-meat-may-stem-from-gut-microbe-response-to-digestion