Nutrition, it's the foundation of our bodies' ability to function properly. Most people know the value of nutrition but live under the impression that nutrition is something that is hard to improve or maintain on a daily basis. In actuality it is easy to improve and maintain high nutrition standards in your life if you know just a few very basic things about the foods that you eat.

First make sure that you understand the importance of water. Water is singularly most important and easiest to improve upon the aspect of nutrition. Water is not only vital to key processes in the body, but water is very important to the digestive system. It is needed in large amounts to help process our food. If food is not processed properly, a lot of the nutritional value is lost.

Make Green your favorite color. Green vegetables have an extremely high level nutrition in them. The key factor of getting the most out of this nutrition is to not overcook your vegetables. The best method of cooking fresh vegetables if to either poach or steam them. Firm vegetables can also be easily broiled or grilled. Of course green vegetables can also be enjoyed washed and raw.

Citrus fruits are another heavy hitter when it comes to nutrition and versatility. Fruits like Oranges, Lemons, Limes, and Grapefruit carry a massive amount of nutrition that can be of great help to our bodies for a stronger immune system. These fruits also have vitamins that help us to have healthier and more beautiful hair and skin. You can grill it, roast it eat it raw, and of course drink it as rich and wonderful juice.

Tuber vegetables like potatoes, carrots and rutabagas are not only a great source of a lot of nutritional but also of dietary fiber. The green leafy parts are rich in beta-carotene and can be used in a wide variety of ways from garnish to herbs and even as a side dish themselves (check out the internet for recipes for "greens"). The bodies are high in vitamin A and complex carbs which can be used not only as a source of energy fuel but also help us to use that energy more effectively.

Other excellent sources of vitamin A and the complex B-vitamins include "meaty" fruits. Items such as peaches, nectarines, mangoes, and apples are extremely rich in these essential nutrients and can offer you high levels of protein as well.

Instead of snaking on junk food keep a supply of healthy foods available to you. Things like whole grain chips, corn flakes, rice cakes, small fruit and herbal teas are great ways to ward off hunger. When you are a little run-down try getting a nutritional pick me up with a supplement drink like ensure or eat some creamy fruity yogurt.

Try to make sure that you are eating as close to the raw, whole form of the food as you can. Foods that have been processed commercially have less flavor, are packed with high levels of salt, contain artificial additives and have lost the majority of their nutrition due to over cooking.

If you are unsure of how to get started with a healthier lifestyle take this simple advice. Hang out in your grocery stores produce section and talk to the green grocer there. You can also get some great nutrition idea from your meat department manager. They are well trained in helping you to pick foods that are not only flavorful but healthy.