Most of us are bombarded by so many new studies and dietary guidelines mentioned in the news today that it's no wonder we fail to live healthy lives. They don't know what to believe. The best way to deal with all of this new information we are bombarded with on a daily basis is to ignore it and focus on the facts mentioned below.

The following list consists of tried and true foods that have proven themselves effective in contributing to a person's healthy lifestyle.

Food to Eat for Optimal Health #1 Whole grains

These types of food include whole wheat breads, oatmeal, cereal and brown rice. Whole grains contain the good carbohydrates you need in order to maintain a healthy weight, as well as good intestinal healthy, which is very important as you get older.

Food to Eat for Optimal Health #2 Vegetables

Vegetables can be prepared in a number of healthy ways, so make sure that is what you do. Avoid pouring any kind of sauce, salt or butter over them for flavor. This defeats the whole purpose behind eating them because it detracts from their nutritional value.

Food to Eat for Optimal Health #3 Fruit

Eat fresh fruit every day and avoid manufactured fruit juices, which are often packed full of unhealthy additives and preservatives. Make sure and eat plenty of bananas, apricots and cantaloupe in order get plenty of potassium and fiber in your diet. Fruit also lends itself to going great with salads, so don't forget to use this as an option when trying to spice up a boring salad.

Food to Eat for Optimal Health #4 Low fat or non fat milk

It's a scientific fact that drinking 12 ounces of low fat or non fat milk everyday helps promote healthy weight loss. However, if milk is not something you like, as it is for many people, you can also get similar benefits from low fat cheese or yogurt.

Food to Eat for Optimal Health #5 Lean meat

Protein is important to a healthy diet because it promotes muscular fitness. However, red meat should be eaten only occasionally, and even then, the meat should be the leanest possible in order to avoid too much fat. Other sources of protein include fish and chicken as well. However, it is important that you remove the high fat skin of the chicken so that it is a healthy addition to your diet.