When it comes to health a lot of emphases is given to exercise. But unfortunately, not enough emphasis is given to nutrition and diet. In this article, I will give you some key pointers that will build a diet that will help you keep and maintain good health.

While supplements are always a helpful way to fill in those nutritional gaps, nothing can beat eating a well-balanced variety of nutrient-rich foods in order to give your body what it needs most. Without the proper minerals and vitamins, your body is not able to fight infections or repair damaged muscle and bone when injured. Choosing nutrient-rich foods can empower you to stay strong and healthful – regardless of your age.

Not sure what you should be eating for the best results?

Keep these basic nutritional guidelines in mind when creating a meal plan for the day:

1. Make sure to eat at least 6-11 servings of grains, cereals, and bread every day. Just make sure they’re whole-grain varieties. Those made with enriched white flour lack the nutrients you need.
2. Fresh Fruit is also important, with the average required servings being 2-3 every day. While canned or packaged fruit gives you some of the minerals and vitamins you need, they also come with high sugar levels, so try and opt for fruits whenever possible.
3. Vegetables are an integral part of every nutritional diet. Three to four servings a day are recommended. Again try and eat fresh veggies whenever possible, and try a wide range of different types and colors for the most nutritional benefit.
4. Healthy Fats. Not all fats are bad. As a matter of fact, our bodies need some fats in order to give us the energy we need to get through our hectic days. Two to four servings a day are recommended. The secret here’s to opt for good fats found in olive oil, mackerel, and salmon, and stay away from the bad fats found in processed and fast foods as well as bakery items.
5. Eating 1-2 servings of beans and Legumes is an effective way to get the minerals and vitamins you need. Low-fat dairy is also important, specifically for kids and women. Most nutritional experts agree that a minimum of 2-4 servings of low-fat dairy every day is significant to maintaining good bone density and strength. People who do not like to drink a lot of milk can find their dairy requirements in yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, along other dairy products.
6. Lean protein which comes from seafood, poultry, and lean meats is also very important. Try to eat at least 2-3 servings every day to maintain a high energy level and also the capability to fight off disease and infection.

In conclusion, though a lot of emphasis is given to exercise, the key to health is diet and nutrition. In my earlier article, I had talked about the importance of building your own healthcare team. One of the key members of this avengers team is the nutritionist. As long the nutrition has been balanced, the body and mind will remain healthy.