The answer to the question "What should I eat?" is actually pretty simple. But you wouldn't know that from news reports on diet and nutrition studies, whose sole purpose seems to be to confuse people on a daily basis. When it comes down to it, though—when all the evidence is looked at together—the best nutrition advice on what to eat is relatively straightforward: Eat a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; choose healthy fats, like olive and canola oil; and eat red meat and unhealthy fats, like saturated and trans fats, sparingly. Drink water and other healthy beverages, and limit sugary drinks and salt. Most important of all is keeping calories in check, so you can avoid weight gain, which makes exercise a key partner to a healthy diet.
Want to learn more? Use the Healthy Eating Pyramid, created by the Department of Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health, as your guide to choosing a healthy diet, and the new Healthy Eating Plate as a handy blueprint for a healthy meal.
Healthy Eating: Ten Nutrition Tips for Eating Right
| Choose , not no carbs. are your best bet. | |
| Pay attention to the package. Fish, poultry, nuts, and beans are the best choices. | |
| Choose , limit saturated fat, and . Plant oils, nuts, and fish are the healthiest sources. | |
| Choose a -filled diet, rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. | |
| Eat more . Go for color and variety—dark green, yellow, orange, and red. | |
| is important. But milk isn't the only, or even best, source. | |
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Eating less salt is good for everyone's health. Choose more fresh foods and fewer processed foods. |
| can be healthy—but not for everyone. You must weigh the benefits and risks. | |
| A is a great . Some may add an extra health boost. |
