You can eat a balanced diet high in nutrition without dropping everything and getting a degree in foodology. The very topic of nutrition can be paralyzing in scope and even cause heart palpitations when trying to sort your way through the mountain of information.

It doesn’t have to be so hard. Really.

Like it or not, the foundation is exercise. A healthy diet requires regular movement to keep calories in balance and weight under control. Let’s take a look at the U.S. Government’s healthy eating pyramid. Focus on food, not grams. Counting specific grams and servings might drive you crazy, so don’t worry about them. This simple, general guide tells you how to eat when you eat.

Stick with plants. Eat as many veggies, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil as possible. This is the healthiest diet of all. It’s hard to go wrong when you do this.

Cut back on American culture. You know what I’m talking about. Red meats, refined grains, sugary drinks, potatoes, and salty snacks. Pretty much try to avoid any restaurant that has a drive through window. Yeah, it’s our culture. A very, very unhealthy culture.

Take a multi-vitamin and maybe have a drink. A GOOD multi-vitamin is like a life insurance policy. It makes sure your body always has the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly, even if your car sometimes swerves and ends up in the nearest fast food burger joint parking lot and your lips form the words “A number eight with a Coke, please.” As far as drinking, dozens of studies continue to be released supporting the health benefits of moderate drinking, especially wine. Moderate means a glass or two a day.

Eat like this and you can’t help but get healthier. Promise.

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