As we have all no doubt discovered, diet plays an integral role in our weight, overall health, and even in our longevity. As more and more illness and disease are linked to poor dietary habits, we have had to take a good, long look at the way that we are eating and make crucial lifestyle changes in order to improve our health. And as we have found, an essential part of eating healthy is following a fundamental nutrition guide.

Defined as eating in a way that delivers all the essential vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to be at their most efficient, healthy eating requires a committed focus on basic food groups. A good nutrition guide to follow is that which makes use of the freshest, most seasonal ingredients on the market. Focus your meals and snacks around whole, natural foods such as fresh fruits, green, leafy vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Additionally, low-fat dairy products will provide the calcium crucial to a body's health.

Further, in following an effective nutrition guide, drink at least eight glasses of water every day to help flush your system and hydrate your body. Water acts as a natural appetite suppressant, speeds the metabolism, and aids digestion.

Any nutrition guide will recommend minimizing - if not eliminating altogether - your consumption of fried or processed foods or foods high in salt, sugar, or saturated fats. When it comes to eating healthy, the simpler the better. Food in its most stripped down form - whole and unprocessed - is the healthiest choice you can make for your body.

In some cases, you may have a particular vitamin deficiency or other nutritional needs that require additional support. If you are unsure about your diet or how to go about making the necessary lifestyle changes to support good health, see a nutritionist. An effective, reputable nutritionist will help you develop a nutrition guide that works for your lifestyle and meets your body's individual needs.