• A nutritious diet often creates a colorful plate.healthy food image by rlat from Fotolia.com
  
  A healthy diet is a balanced diet, and includes carbohydrates, fats and proteins, all in moderation. To obtain adequate nutrition, eating a variety of foods--while favoring some and avoiding others--is recommended. The fresher and less refined a food is, the healthier it is likely to be.
  
  

Vegetables

• A variety of vegetables and leafy greens are a key component of a nutritious diet.vegetables image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
  
  The United States Department of Agriculture recommends eating a wide variety of different vegetables, from beans to leafy greens to starchy vegetables like corn. Opt for vegetables in a variety of different colors because they provide different nutrients. Whenever possible, buy vegetables that are fresh and in season for peak nutritional values, though frozen and canned varieties are a viable alternative.
  
  

Lean Protein

• Beans are a good source of protein that also provides fiber.beans image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
  
  Omnivores should tend toward leaner cuts of meat, such as chicken, turkey or fish. Fattier cuts are higher in calories and cholesterol. Beans are another good source of protein, and also provide fiber, making them a very nutritious choice. Beans are a great source of protein for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
  
  

Fruit

• Eat a variety of colorful fruits for a myriad of benefits.fruit basket image by Bruce Shippee from Fotolia.com
  
  Fruits provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants, some of which have anticarcinogenic properties. Fruits should be eaten in moderation, because they tend to be high in sugar. While the naturally occurring sugars in fruit are healthier than refined sugar, they should be consumed as part of a balanced diet.
  
  

Grains

• Whole grains provide the most variety and flavor.oat grains image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
  
  Grains include wheat, oats, rice and other cereal products. Whole grains are more nutritious, as they have not had the bran and germ removed and thus provide more fiber and protein. Good examples of grain-based foods to eat include whole-grain bread, whole-wheat pasta, oatmeal and brown rice. Look at ingredients lists to see if the grain ingredients are whole grain or not.
  
  

Oil and Fat

• Fat is an important building block of life, and should not be wholly avoided. Some fats, such as the essential fatty acids, are just what their name suggests--essential. Nuts and fatty fish are good sources of these healthy fats, as well as avocados and certain oils such as olive oil. The primary concern with fats is that they are high in calories, and thus should be eaten in relatively small quantities. Avoid trans fats and saturated fats, but feel free to consume monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats within reasonable limits.
  
  

Balance

• Balance the different types of foods for optimal nutrition and health.apple on scale image by Pontus Edenberg from Fotolia.com
  
  The key to putting all these parts together is balance. To find the right amount of calories, look for an online calculator that accounts for age, weight, height and gender (see Resources). All of these factors affect the amount you should be eating. Try to get your calories from a variety of the above sources, with a heavy emphasis on vegetables and lean protein sources, and a sparing amount of fat.