Want to eat healthier foods to keep slim, have more energy and improve your health? Eating right not only promotes weight loss if you are too heavy, but it can fend off illness and even help you live a longer life. For some help, look over this guide on how to eat right.

Eating right will help you look and feel your best. It takes some know-how to pick the right foods, but once you learn the basics it will become second nature. You don't need to spend hours planning menus, but you do need to take a few minutes to read labels and use judgement and common sense. Also, forget the myth that healthy foods don't taste good. There lots of scrumptious dishes that can be made without any of the bad-for-you stuff.

For years, the food pyramid emphasized meats and virtually ignored the benefits of whole grains. Times have changed, and the pyramid looks a lot different than it did 5 years ago. Here's a breakdown:

1. Grains: 35-65% of the total diet, and at least half should be whole grains
2. Vegetables and Fruits: Eat as many as , or slightly less than, grains
3. Dairy: 10-15% of diet, choose low fat and fat free whenever possible
4. Meat, beans, nuts, fish, poultry: 10-25% of diet, eat red meat in moderation
5. Fats and oils: Eat in moderation, and avoid trans fats

• Keep in mind that this is a basic guideline, and individual needs may be different

One of the most important factors when it comes to healthy eating is to seek out whole foods rather than processed ones. This means you will need to look at nutrition labels, as packaging can be deceptive. Avoid products that claim to be "made with" ingredients like fruit or whole grains, and look instead for those that are %100. If a label has a dozen ingredients, it is most likely too processed to be nutritionally valuable.

A good rule of thumb when it comes to fruits and veggies is to eat a variety of bright, vibrant colors. Colorful produce contains vitamins and minerals, and eating lots different shades will help ensure that you get a balanced mix. Go for dark leafy greens, red, orange and yellow fruits, and purple and green veggies.

A simple guideline to follow that will improve your overall health and help whittle your waistline is to avoid foods that are white. This includes white breads, white pastas, flour tortillas, skinless potatoes, and even white rice. These foods typically are high in simple carbohydrates, and extremely low in nutrients. Just making this one change in your diet will virtually guarantee a healthier you. It may seem difficult at first, but you simply need to make the right substitutions. For example, enjoy your stir-fry with brown rice, and stick with whole-grain breads. Your body will thank you for it!