Everyday Healthy Foods To Eat

Diet plays an important role in maintaining your health. If your goal is to eat healthy, you should provide your body with nutrients that promote overall body functions. The major nutrients your body requires include healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, protein and carbohydrates. Incorporating more vegetables and fruits into your diet can promote a healthier lifestyle.

Vegetables

Leafy green vegetables such as collard greens, Swiss chard, arugula, kale, spinach, endive, watercress, mustard greens, turnips, cabbage and romaine lettuce provide rich amount of iron, calcium, folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K. They also contain phytochemicals -- antioxidant compounds produced by plants -- that protect your body from illness and infections. You can enjoy leafy green vegetables fresh, cooked or steamed. You can also use vegetables in a salad or stir fry or as finger foods.

Fruits

Like vegetables, fruits are high in antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, and you should include a variety in your daily diet. Fruits to include are cherries, strawberries, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, watermelon, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, papaya and cantaloupe. For healthy fruit drinks, purchase 100 percent fruit juice made without sweeteners or juice fruits yourself.

Protein

A healthy diet includes lean protein sources, such as beans, poultry and fish. Fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart health. Beans are rich in fiber and protein, which are good for promoting digestion and keeping you full without overeating. Egg whites contain protein and are nearly void of carbohydrates, dietary cholesterol and fat.

Unsaturated Fat

Incorporating healthy fats into your diet can benefit your body. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are "good" fats that can lower your cholesterol, balance your heart rhythms and ease inflammation. Sources of unsaturated fats include nuts, seeds, grapeseed oil, olive oil and avocados. You should limit or restrict your consumption of saturated and trans fats, which are found in red meat, fried foods, pastries, frozen dinners and other processed foods.