In short: probably not.

In long…studies have shown that while nutrition is one of the most basic concepts to understand, many people continue to struggle with the essential wisdom of good nutrition. Why is this?

Because, largely, eating is one of life”s greatest pleasures. Food, however, must be thought of not only as a source of pleasure, but also as fuel for the body. This concept of fuel for the body – not the artificial or diluted version – is what we need to keep in mind when we think of nutrition. The body needs fuel to function, and the body needs the proper nutrients.

Nutrition Basics

The foods that we eat must provide adequate amounts of five classes of nutrients:

1. carbohydrates (starches and sugars)

2. proteins

3. fats

4. water

5. minerals and vitamins

Each of the above nutrients performs a particular function for the body: For example:

• carbohydrates for energy
• fats become part of cell membranes and transport substances such as vitamins
• minerals help in the functioning of blood production, respiration and bone and tooth formation

Good nutrition is built on balanced meals, moderation and variety. The last element is key! By putting variety in our food choices, we give our bodies sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals. So while we all know that broccoli is healthy, we shouldn”t eat it exclusively at the cost of eating other dark, leafy vegetables such as green peppers and zucchini.

How to Eat Healthy

If you aren”t sure if you”re eating the nutrients that you need, your first step should be to review the US government”s revised food pyramid. The “MyPyramid” model is an interactive tool that can be personalized, depending on age, sex and level of physical activity. It provides dietary guidelines and was “built” by many experts coming from as many health fields as possible. Because a pyramid has a wide base and a narrow top, the US Department of Agriculture put the foods we need most in the larger base.