Maybe you can't stand beans -- any kind of bean is just not for you. As you probably know, legumes are great for us in just about every way. But the great thing about proper nutrition is that there is such a huge variety of foods out there, you don't have to "eat what you hate" any more! The days of eating prunes and spinach just "for your health" are long gone, thanks to our modern nutritionists.

For example, if you smoke and drink alcohol frequently, your nutritional needs will obviously be higher. If you are pregnant, if you live in a polluted environment, if you have a high-stress occupation or are suffering from emotional stress, your nutritional needs will alter -- in every different situation. Again, the approach to nutrition should be completely individualistic: What good will it do to eat oysters, which are rich in zinc, if you're allergic to them? Common sense, knowledge, and a little bit of willpower is all you need to be a fit, nutritionally sound person.

You don't have to necessarily see a nutritionist to determine what kinds of foods you should eat, and if you should take some types of vitamins: Your particular lifestyle will "tell" you, and there are thousands upon thousands of books, magazines and TV programs out there that provide the information about particular foods and which vitamins and minerals they provide.

We're also well aware that the poor nutritional quality of many purchased foods is another factor of bad nutrition. Depleted soils and lengthy storage, as well as toxicity from pesticides or additives can make an apparently healthy food of little value. Tests have shown that, for example, most people do not obtain adequate zinc, folic acid or the essential fatty acids in theirdiet, and your health (physical and mental) will suffer.

Degenerative diseases have three main causes: malnutrition, incomplete digestion and internal pollution. These are reversed by nutrient enrichment, improved digestion and detoxification.

An excellent, varied and individualized diet will provide the nutrients you need every day, and will supplythe many factors that enable proper digestion and help detoxify the body. Eat fresh, locally grown, in-season organic produce. No substitutes. Also, pay attention to the simple act of eating: Eat slowly and chew your food well, taking the time to appreciate it.

You can eat fatty-rich, Omega-3 salmon for each meal, but if you stuff it down while watching TV or running from one appointment to another, you might as well go back to Snicker bars and ice cream.

Nutrition is also very much about intent: It is very essential that you are intentional and focused when you prepare your food, and while you eat it -- slowly, with a sense of mindfulness. Your body will tell you, if you listen, when it is full -- or when it really isn't hungry, and you just "thought" you were.

Sometimes, you may need supplements, no matter how well you prepare and eat your food. Research points to the most common deficient nutrients in the Western world as zinc, selenium, and B and C vitamins. If you are deficient in these nutrients, you will find yourself literally on the edge of illness.

The question is, how much do you need of the various vitamins and minerals? There's a big difference between the amount required to prevent deficiencies that would lead to serious degeneration, and the amount of each vitamin and mineral you need for optimum health. For more information on vitamins, please visit http://www.fluidvitamin.com.

A simple blood test will confirm what your deficiencies are, if any. This will let you and your physician know which particular nutrients are needed, and in what precise amounts (or what foods are best to supply them). It's like a personalized nutritional analysis report.

Then, armed with that information, go get the supplements you need (if any), settle on your already healthfocused, balanced diet, and you'll be in top shape.