Tips for Planning a Healthy Diet

The subject of 'nutrition' is highly interesting and stimulating, the vastness of the subject includes advanced knowledge and studies of the human body and its reactions to various foods, the assimilation process and the do's and don'ts of maintaining proper health through a proper lifestyle.

The key to a healthy lifestyle is very obviously a diet that is balanced in every way; one that suits an individual's metabolism and enhances energy, vitality and well-being. The term 'diet' generally refers to the amount of food consumed by an individual, human or animal; 'dietary habits' refer to the individual decisions and choices made by a person in choosing what food to eat. In specifics, diet also refers to a particular intake of nutritious food consciously chosen for health and weight management reasons, whether by the concerned individual or by practiced health experts. Therefore, a person's health, longevity and quality of life is reflected through dietary choices and preferences made with reference to geographical region, culture, ethnicity and availability of food choices.

A proper diet for humans requires ingestion, digestion and absorption of needed energy, minerals and vitamins from the types of foods chosen - carbohydrates, fats and proteins among them.

Weight Management is the area of nutrition where a diet is chosen or put together to help with weight gain or weight loss. To meet specific needs of nutrition, energy and well-being some foods are recommended while some may be avoided so as not to upset the equilibrium of the body and prevent imbalance. However specific a diet is, it has to be in conjunction with an exercise regimen or fitness program, even the most basic ones as walking, cycling, swimming or body workouts. But in spite of many advancements and researched studies, there are many diets and weight-loss programs that are harmful to the human body as they neglect to promote good health. This is because some diets are singularly focused on weight-loss and advise quick schemes and programs that may or may not guarantee weight-loss but cannot guarantee good health.


As we know, in the developed world, random and unhealthy food choices and habits mainly dictated by affluence have led to large populations suffering from ill-health, obesity and sicknesses. Yet, there is no one singular diet or nutrition program that can be called a healthy diet; moderation is the key to consumption and a diet that is well-rounded with healthy food choices and a minimum fitness schedule can work wonders for everyone.

If there is a need to draw up or follow a particular diet for health reasons, there are some important issues involved that will help in the long run; after all, a diet is followed to achieve some amount of success in attaining the end-results or goals.

The most important thing to remember about imposing dietary restrictions is not to aim to become unrealistically thin or by self deprivation of favorite foods. Rather it is about healthy eating, about feeling positive regarding the choices made, being more energetic and having a balanced mood or attitude always. There is no doubt a surplus of information that one can have about diets; no two are alike and there are several contradictions. However by working around foods that suit an individual and making a plan which is practical and wholesome, anybody can create a tasty and healthy diet that has a balanced mix of all nutrients without overdoing or under-doing any food element.

Following and maintaining a diet can be achieved if some simple rules are observed.

1. Make a practical measure of the success to be achieved
2. Moderation is Key
3. It's 'how' foods are consumed not 'what' foods are consumed
4. Have a colorful mix of natural foods - good portions of vegetables and fruits
5. Consume healthier options like whole grains, healthy carbohydrates and proteins