5 Main Types of Healthy Food

When it comes to eating healthy, it seems everyone has advice. Eat meat, don't eat meat. Eat wheat, don't eat wheat. But healthy eating is not about who can follow the strictest diet or deprive themselves the most, it's about eating food that boosts your mood and energy, and gives your body the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. It's about eating the basics: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods and dairy.

Fruit for All

Fruits are low in calories and fat, and a good source of vitamins A and C, potassium, folate and fiber. Making fruit a regular part of your diet may lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes and obesity. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's MyPlate says you need 2 cups of fruit a day on a 2,000-calorie diet 2. Include mostly whole fruits for the fiber, and vary your fruit choices throughout the week to vary your nutrient intake.

Vegetables: Rich In Nutrients

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Like fruit, vegetables are also low in calories and fat and rich in nutrients you need for good health. Eating vegetables also lowers your risk of chronic illness. As a low-calorie food, vegetables also help you keep a lid on calories, which may make it easier for you to achieve and maintain a healthier weight. On a 2,000-calorie diet you should have 2 1/2 cups of vegetables a day. To help you meet your daily fruit and vegetable needs, the USDA's MyPlate suggests you fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables.

Make It Whole Grain

Grains include:

• any food made from rice
  
• wheat
  
• barley or other cereal,
  
• includes foods such as ready-to-eat cereal
  
• bread or pasta

For better health, at least half your grain choices should be whole grain. People who eat more whole grains have lower rates of heart disease and cancer, and have an easier time managing their weight. On a 2,000-calorie diet, you should get 6 ounces of grains a day, with at least half whole grain, where 1 ounce is equal to one slice of bread or 1/2 cup of cooked rice.

Protein Foods: Meat and Beans

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In addition to meat and beans, protein foods also include eggs, soy products, nuts and seeds. To improve the nutritional quality of your diet, you should try to eat a variety of different sources of protein throughout the week, and make sure your meat choices are lean to limit your intake of saturated fat. Additionally, you should aim for two servings of seafood a week to increase the omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, which may help lower your risk of heart disease. On a 2,000-calorie diet, you can have 5 1/2 ounces of protein foods a day.

Dairy for Strong Bones

As a source of calcium and vitamin D, dairy foods are important for bone health. Dairy food choices include low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt, cheese and calcium-fortified soy milk. Adults on a 2,000-calorie diet should aim for 3 cups of dairy foods a day, with one serving equivalent to 1 cup of milk, yogurt or soy milk, or 1 1/2 ounces of hard cheese.