Whether you’re interested in losing weight or you simply want to make sure that you’re doing everything you can in order to enjoy a long and healthy life, eating right is going to be important. Most people know that a healthy diet is key to their well-being; however, understanding exactly what you should be eating, as well as what is best to avoid, can make a dramatic difference in your overall health, as well as your weight loss efforts.

Eating healthy requires making the right food choices, as well as understanding portion size. For many people, portion sizes have gotten completely out of control, and it’s very understandable how this has happened. From supersized meals to all-you-can-eat buffets, it seems like overeating is always on the menu. Take some time to get a good understanding of what a serving of your favorite foods actually looks like. Often times, this is going to require measuring and weighing your food, but soon you’ll be able to know just by looking whether you’ve got too much on your plate.

Many people think that choosing a diet that is high in protein, low in carbs or that follows the way that early cavemen used to eat will help them to be healthy. While there are many diet plans that follow various fads, many are simply not sustainable or even healthy diets for the long-term. However, numerous studies have shown that a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables with moderate use of low-fat dairy, lean protein, and healthy fats can contribute to better health. This type of diet is often referred to as a Mediterranean diet.

Of course, a basic understanding of which foods can provide the most benefit is also important. For example, many people know that a diet that includes dietary fiber is good for their health; but, maybe they don’t understand how it can affect their overall eating for the day. If you start your day with a bowl of oatmeal or a bran muffin, you’ll be setting yourself up for a great start. These whole grain options will actually help keep you satisfied all morning long, but they’ll also keep your blood sugar from huge fluctuations. This means, less fatigue and a greater likelihood that you won’t be tempted to binge. Additionally, whole grains are heart healthy and can help fight illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Another important part of a healthy eating plan is avoiding those things that can contribute to poor health. For example, processed foods are often filled with artificial flavors and colors as well as questionable ingredients. One item that is found in many processed foods is High Fructose Corn Syrup or HFCS. Studies have shown that consuming HFCS can actually contribute to an increase in belly fat which is a significant health risk in itself. When trying to eat healthy, it’s important to choose natural foods that you prepare yourself. Avoid using processed or boxed food products that often contain ingredients that are unhealthy.