With more and more research being done on the effect of nutrition on overall health and longevity, increased attention has been given to the importance of planning healthy meals at home. Research has shown that optimum nutrition is achieved through the eating of a variety of natural foods that are packed with vitamins and minerals.

In an effort to reach optimum nutrition it is important to make a commitment to focusing on particular food groups. Experts agree that color is the key when filling up your plate with food. Fresh fruits and vegetables - part of optimum nutrition - come in all shades of beautiful colors; the deep orange of a blood orange, the red of an apple or strawberry, the intense blue of a blueberry. Fresh vegetables are best served green; green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli.

When it comes to carbohydrates, color is still vital to achieving optimum nutrition. Sweet potatoes are more nutritious than white potatoes; wheat pasta is a better choice than white pasta; brown rice beats white rice, and dark whole grain bread is far better than processed white bread.

The combination of these healthy choices along with lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, and at least eight glasses of water a day will go a long way to achieving optimum nutrition. Of course, part of this commitment is the minimizing - if not altogether elimination - of foods that are fried, processed, and contain high levels of sugar, salt, and saturated fat.

Ultimately, if you are you going about achieving optimum nutrition the right way, your plate should reflect a variety of beautiful colors; foods that hold an enormous amount of vitamins and minerals. Make a game out of if by choosing foods that are a part of this nutritious rainbow. The most important thing is to implement this lifestyle within the home, giving your family the tools it needs to stay healthy for a lifetime. Work as a team to find new and exciting recipes that showcase seasonal foods and pack nutrition and taste into every bite.

Optimum nutrition is within all of our grasps; it starts with a commitment to a lifestyle. It's a lifestyle that makes the most of the natural food products available to us and, ultimately, it is a lifestyle that can greatly benefit you and your family - giving you long years of health.