When it comes to diet, lifestyle and happiness, the most important thing is balance, and what we eat impacts how we feel. When you do what's "good for you", you'll feel the rewards.

But what does "good for you" mean?

Healthy diet
The benefits of a healthy diet are well known. When you eat nutritious food, you have more energy, you sleep better, and you find it easier (and sometimes more fun) to exercise regularly. There even seem to be links between gut health and happiness.

But it's more than that: even just making the choice to care for yourself makes you feel better. It's important to have the right mindset, and choose healthier foods because your body deserves to be healthy, not because you feel pressured by ideas of "good" and "bad" foods.

What does a healthy diet look like?
It's different for everyone! A general rule for a healthy plate is that half should be veg, a quarter carbohydrates, a quarter protein, with some nutritious fat such as avocado or olive oil.

Whole foods - rather than processed - and variety are key factors. A diet that is "colourful" - full of fruit and veg - means you are getting vitamins and minerals from a range of different sources.

We also know that many people need to cut out certain food groups, but Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free and FODMAP diets can all be perfectly healthy and well-balanced.

Good vs. Bad?
"Good for you" doesn't just mean a constant "perfect" diet without treats, and you shouldn't think of treats as "bad". Food shouldn't feel like a punishment. The occasional treat, whether it's chocolate or a glass of wine, should be savoured.

Treating ourselves is part of a lifestyle balance. Maybe you love being able to meet friends for a glass of wine on Fridays, or share fish and chips when you're out at the beach with the family. If you're denying yourself important experiences shared with others, you might not feel very balanced.

And remember: the better the quality of your treat, the better it will feel.

To snack or not to snack?
There's nothing wrong with snacking, in moderation. Sometimes we need an energy boost between meals. Try not to snack out of boredom, because then you're not enjoying it or feeling the rewards.

Snacks with healthy, wholefood ingredients, rather than chemicals and artificial colours and flavours, will satisfy your cravings, give you a boost, and keep hunger at bay.

We support wholesome and tasty snacking at Kez's. Whether you need a post-workout Protein Boost Fudgy Choc Crunch Brownie Bar or one of our Melting Moments to have on hand for coffee breaks, everyone deserves a treat that makes them feel good.