Food has undergone many changes as science and technology have progressed and many new aspects of food were revealed. Nutrition took on a mantle of its own and today forms a very important part in dictating our daily food intake. No longer do most people just eat to live.

Nutrition has been classified into six major nutrition groups namely carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. Each one has a role to play in providing a balanced diet to the body. Another way of classifying food is the food pyramid, which covers Fat, Dairy, Meats, Fruits and Vegetables, and Grains.

Each food group has its own part to play in the overall diet of an individual. To avoid stomach disorders and other food related problems, such as indigestion and ulcers, one has to try and eat a balanced meal which contains as many food groups as possible. This is turn will lead to a balanced diet wherein all food ingested is nutritious and can be utilized by the body without any wastage.

Avoid starchy food, fatty foods, foods heavy in spices, and foods with additives wherever possible as these do not aid digestion. Similarly, an excess of salt and sugar would be harmful and the benefits that these foods normally provide would be lost. Every food item plays a small part in our overall nutrition and health. Anything that is too little or too much would upset the balance of the body and its system.

As with all other fields, food too has seen a lot of innovation and variety. Unfortunately along with the good food there are also a whole range of foods which has a feel good factor to it but does nothing for the health of the person. These are called empty calorie foods in the form of soft drinks, various types of snacks, processed food, etc. Temptation is very difficult to resist so one must strike a balance wherein all desires for food are covered without compromising on the nutrition required by the body.

A good, balanced diet would ideally consist of a controlled intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sugar and salt, and meats, whilst eating enough fruits, vegetables, wholegrain products, low fat or normal fat dairy products, good fats such as fish, nuts and vegetable oils, fat-free meats, poultry, and lentils. Last but not least, check the calorie count of the food on your plate. There is a lot of nutritional information available regarding the content of food and its calorific value. Investing in a guide and eating your way to good health without being obsessive could pay rich dividends by way of health. Along with all this, a sustained and energetic exercise regime will go a long way to a healthy you.