Diets

[Garvey1978]

Although the governemnt say we should eat 5 pieces of fruit and vegeatables per day what actually does a balanced diet consist of? Should we be eating a specific amount of carbhydrates and protein? how can we calculate our nutrimnet requirement?

[Paxiled]

There are many different theories about this, and individuals differ in their needs and responses.  Carbs also differ a lot in their value; vegetables are quite valuable, as are most whole grains, but simple carbs have little to no value unless you're a marathon runner or something like that.  Whereas an athlete who is trying to build muscle will require more protein, as will someone trying to lose weight or turn fat to muscle.  There are many books advocating different ratios.  There is a theory that blood type is involved, or ethnicity, or where you happen to live.  It's not bad to read up on these theories, then make a diet for yourself that serves your particular needs and makes you feel good.

[Whatawoman72]

Here is a good little calculator that looks at your age and calorie intake and gives you a break down...

http://www.webcalcsolutions.com/Nutrition-Calculators/Calorie-Breakdown.asp?AcctNum=3

for example this is mine:

Fat  15%  -  25%
Protein  15%  -  25%  
Total Carbohydrates  50%  -  70%  


But as a general rule
Carbs should be 45-65%  of your diet
Protein 10-35%
Total fats a max of 35% -  ideally around 20%