Not the balanced diet sermon you’ve heard a thousand times.

Last Updated on July 26, 2025 by Pen Pixel

I used to think eating noodles with eggs was balance. I mean, there’s protein, there’s carbs. Right? So… it counts?

Let’s not lie, some days, that’s the best you’ve got. And if you’re me? That’s a full-course meal.

But let me ask you this: If your body could talk, what would it say after that plate? 

Would it say “thank you,” or would it cry silently like it’s in an abusive relationship it can’t leave?

Exactly.

The Key Takeaway.

A balanced diet isn’t about food groups or cute pyramids they taught in grade school. It’s about how honest you’re willing to be with your body, what it’s begging for, what you’re ignoring, and how long you think you can cheat it before it snaps. It’s about healing, not just eating.

What’s a “Balanced Diet,” Really?

A balanced diet isn’t about counting spinach leaves or guilt-tripping yourself for enjoying cake.

It’s giving your body what it needs without starving your soul in the process.

And no, it’s not some bougie avocado toast lifestyle. It’s rice, beans, oil, meat, pepper, and knowing how to mix it all so your body doesn’t just survive… but actually function.

Why Balanced Diet Matters.

Your Brain Needs It to Think Clearly.

• Forget IQ.
• Forget prayer.

If your brain is running on pure sugar and vibes, you will feel foggy, distracted, irritated, and moody for no reason. You’ll start a task and forget it midway. You’ll feel off all day.

That’s not a spiritual attack, that’s your brain starved of proper fuel. It needs healthy fats (like from groundnuts, fish, eggs), proteins, and carbs to FUNCTION.

Your Hormones Need It to Stop Misbehaving.

That PMS? Random crying? That acne?

It’s not just “you being emotional.” It’s your hormones confused AF because you’re not feeding them right.

You need iron, zinc, magnesium, omega-3s, nutrients that help balance your estrogen, cortisol, insulin, and friends. Aka the gang in your body that runs your emotions, periods, stress, sleep, and glow.

Your Immune System Lives or Dies By It.

You can pray for protection all you want, but if your body is running on fizzy drinks, fried food, and sugar, any cough, sneeze or infection can take you out like a sniper.

You need Vitamin C, fiber, antioxidants, and clean hydration to keep your body in defense mode. Otherwise? You’ll catch every flu like it’s a trending challenge.

Your Gut Is Screaming For Help.

That constipation, bloating and poop schedule that makes no sense?

It’s not just “your body being weird.” It’s your digestive system begging for real food. You need fiber (from veggies, fruits, beans), water, and healthy fats for smooth digestion. Otherwise, your tummy will keep fighting you like an ex who still wants closure.

Energy. Real Energy. Not Hyper-Spike-Then-Crash Energy.

You know that fake energy high from eating sugar or drinking energy drinks?

Yeah, that doesn’t last.

Balanced meals give stable energy, the kind that keeps you alive through the day without feeling like you need a nap after every errand. Real carbs + good protein = natural fuel that doesn’t betray you.

Your Skin Will Thank You Loudly.

Acne, dryness, dullness, random rashes, sometimes it’s not your skincare routine.

It’s your diet that’s doing graffiti on your skin. When you eat right, your skin gets nutrients from the inside and it glows for real, not just because you used filter or shea butter.

You Age Slower and Feel Stronger.

Most of us are 20-something but feel 70-something.

Knees cracking. Back aching. Always tired. That’s not normal.

That’s your body being drained with no backup. Balanced nutrition protects your bones, muscles, heart, and joints. It literally slows down how fast your body breaks down.

Your Mental Health Depends On It.

If you’ve ever dealt with anxiety, depression, or emotional burnout,

YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO EAT JUNK DAILY.

The food you eat directly affects your mood, your serotonin, your motivation, your sleep.

You can’t heal emotionally while eating what’s hurting you biologically. Your brain and belly are besties. If your gut is a mess, your mind will be too. Period.

You Don’t Just Eat To Survive, You Eat To Show You Care.

Feeding yourself with real care is a form of self-respect. You’re not just “fueling” your body. You’re telling it,

“You deserve to feel good. I’m not punishing you today.”

That’s what makes the difference. Not being perfect, just being present when you eat. Choosing with intention. Even if all you can afford is canned veggies you still have the power to make it balanced.

Let Me Drag Myself for a Sec.

One time, I lived off cereal and milk for two weeks straight because I was heartbroken and sad. 

You think I’m exaggerating? I wish.

I thought I was doing “okay.” Till I started forgetting simple things, my moods were swinging like a mad woman, and my stomach felt like war.

Then while buying more cereal, a woman legit looked at me and told me,

“You can’t build a house with cement alone.”

BOOM. That one line rewired my brain.

Because that’s what we’re doing trying to build a whole functioning body on French fries and vibes.

So What Does Balance Actually Look Like?

You don’t need 20 fancy ingredients.

You need these 5 building blocks:

• Carbs, 
• Proteins, 
• Healthy Fats, 
• Fibre, 
• Water.

Not everyday French fries and coke. Sometimes, rice and grilled chicken with veggies. Or yam porridge with veggies. 

• Throw some fish in there. 
• Add a fruit. 
• Drink water that’s not cold Coke.
• You don’t need a nutritionist.
• You need intentionality.

You’re already eating. Why not just eat smart? Balance doesn’t mean eating a “perfect” meal. It means you look at your plate and ask, “Is there something here that will help me focus, or that will help me poop right, or that’ll give me energy without making me feel like a whale?”

If the answer is no? You’re not balanced.