Variety is important because a person that chooses the same foods every day usually is lacking certain vitamins and minerals. One may think eating a healthy diet is staying away from fat and sugar. Wholesomeness is key because it is important to choose as many whole foods as possible. Whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, oatmeal, and other whole grains, are less processed, have more nutrients and fiber and less sodium, preservatives and additives than the heavily processed versions like canned fruits and vegetables, white breads and crackers. These foods also have phytochemicals, plant chemicals, related to preventing diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Whole foods turn into blood sugar more slowly than the processed versions.
This can help the active person maintain blood sugar and help the athlete with diabetes to control blood sugar better. Vitamins and minerals are essential for metabolic process to work in the body and to support the body's growth and development. Vitamins and minerals are also necessary for many physiological processes and chemical reactions needed for physical activity, such as energy production, the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, oxygen transport, nerve transmissions, muscle contractions, tissue repair and maintenance. To ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake, start with eating recommended servings of each food group per day. Whole Grains Choose a minimum of 6-11 whole grains per day.