You know what they say, “you are what you eat!”

Nutrition is crucial for optimal health, and having a well-balanced diet is essential for good nutrition. So how do you know if your diet is on point? Well, it’s all about consuming a variety of foods from the main food groups.

Fruits

Fruits are high in natural sugar but also provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Fresh or frozen whole fruits are better than juice, which often contains added sugar. It’s also a good idea to avoid canned fruit in syrup.

Vegetables

Veggies are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. For optimal nutrition, you want to eat a variety of veggies in different colors.

The USDA recommends choosing some veggies from each of the subgroups every week. Leafy greens, orange or red vegetables, starchy veggies, legumes, and other veggies like zucchini and eggplant are all great options.

Grains

Whole grains like oats, brown rice, quinoa, barley, and buckwheat are the best choices for a healthy diet. They contain more fiber and protein, break down more slowly, and have less effect on blood sugar than refined grains.

Protein

Protein is essential for muscle development, wound healing, and other bodily functions. Meat and beans are our main sources of protein. Healthy animal protein comes from red meats, poultry, and fish. Beans, almonds, peas, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and lentils are great sources of fiber and nutrients.

Fats & Oils

Fat is essential for our bodies to function properly, but too much fat in your diet can lead to weight gain. Fish and vegetable oils are the way to go, limit butterfat, and avoid trans fats completely.

Conclusion

Don’t forget to consult with your doctor about your nutritional needs.

They can order lab work to test for deficiencies and help ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need in sufficient quantities.

So make sure to have a thorough physical exam at least once a year, and don’t forget to get yourself a health insurance plan that covers your medical care!