Do you go the extra mile to make sure your garden, pets, or cars are receiving the optimal amounts of nutrient rich food (i.e. fuel)? If so, how much time to do you take to make sure your own personal nutritional needs are being met?

If you are tempted to focus mainly on your weight or figure, remember that being healthy should be the goal with the highest priority. Healthy eating will result in better weight management and the figure you desire. You should aim for quality health and allow the other benefits to follow.

Easier said than done, of course.

That being said, what is the perfect fuel, or nutrition, for your body? How do you make sure you are getting the right fuel at the right time?

Most people need higher amounts of nutrient rich foods with fiber, calcium, iron, and vitamins A through E. Avoid processed foods, slowly add more fiber to your diet, and aim for high amounts of leafy greens. Round out these nutrition rich foods with fruits, whole grains, and nonfat dairy foods.

Furthermore, keep in mind that proper nutrition depends on the proper blend of foods for ideal performance. Your body needs the correct portions of carbohydrates for energy. You should avoid diets that cut too many energy rich carbohydrates from your diet.

Fat is also a high energy food that provides the material necessary for cellular health. While protein also provides energy, it is more crucial as the nutrient that provides the physical structure for your body's organs.

All three types of foods are vital to your overall health. To paraphrase one comedian, "You don't want your heart valved to be made of chips and bean dip." Build and fuel your body with the appropriate, natural foods.

A quick Internet search reveals several theories about which percentages of fats, carbohydrates, and protein are best. As with most things, the truth is probably somewhat in the middle. Avoid extremes and seek balance in the types and amounts of food you consume.

In time you will find your body responding to the better fuel you are feeding it just like the blooms in your prized garden.