Food is a basic need of everyone.  We all need to eat.  It is what gives us energy and provides us with what we need to get ourselves going throughout the day.  Miss a meal habitually and health and digestive complications may arise.  Thankfully, we have a lot of resources of this body fuel–in the supermarket, convenience store, restaurant, and the comfort of our own homes.  In food however, it’s not just putting anything edible in the mouth, it has to be the right stuff that the body would benefit from, and that’s where nutrition comes in.

The best source of vitamins and minerals are still what we eat.  Supplements may work, but it’s best to get our nutrients naturally.  First of all, we all need carbohydrates since they supply our body with energy.  In the food pyramid, carbohydrates are supposed to be the one with the largest amount.  This of course, depends on the person’s needs.  Active people may want to increase their carbohydrate and protein intake.  The choices are endless–potatoes, rice, breads, cereals, certain sweets, etc.

Proteins are important in bodily functions and muscle repair.  Bodybuilders and athletes need these too.  Although meat is one of the best sources of protein, there are also foods that are high in protein such as mushrooms, eggs, nuts, beans, and tofu, which are usually the meat substitutes in vegetarian dishes.  This may be the bigger component in a food serving, depending on the diet.

Vitamins and minerals are found in a lot of food sources, particularly fruits and vegetables.  Calcium, an important component for the bones may be found in milk or other sources like high calcium orange juice, fish, and leafy green vegetables.  Usually, fruits and vegetables are best eaten raw, but for those who want to jazz up their plate, fruits may be blended into delicious and refreshing smoothies, served with vegetable for a salad, be the main ingredient in a dessert like pie, or dipped in chocolate fondue.  Vegetables are also awesome grilled or mixed in with meat.  Fat is also allowed in the form of fried food and a little bit of sweet stuff.  Fat is needed for insulation, healthy skin and hair.  So once in a while, it’s okay to indulge in something fried or sweet.

Nowadays, busy schedules make most of us run to the nearby fast food or cook up something instant just to satisfy hunger or to keep a meal in check.  However, it’s best to balance things out by adding in something nutritious like a fresh fruit after or have something healthy at night, like a sandwich.  When there’s time, sit down and plan balanced meals.  Take a few carrot and celery sticks for snack instead of a bag of potato chips.  Or visit a healthy restaurant in your neighborhood.  Your body will thank you for it.