There are those who ascribe to the notion that eating healthy means  enduring a lean, mean, boring, unpleasant diet that closely resembles a plate full of twigs and bark. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Fresh fruits and vegetables abound, as well as a wide variety of options for healthy carbs and protein. For the omnivores among us, meat of every kind, seafood and poultry can provide healthy protein for us at every stage of life. To keep our meat, seafood and poultry dishes healthy, you just need to follow a few simple guidelines:

• Shop for leaner cuts
  
• Trim fat where possible
  
• Prepare using healthy techniques (Not frying!)
  
• Serve in sensible portions

 For the vegetarian or vegan, soy products, especially tofu, quinoa, and proper combinations of foods from the "complete" protein triad provide healthy protein.  What is the "complete" protein triad? Simply this; very few vegan items constitute a complete protein, in and of themselves. Yes, they contain protein, but not in the form our body needs. To get there, you can select from the few "complete" protein items out there, like quinoa and soy, or you can combine items from two of the following groups:

• Dairy
  
• Beans and Legumes
  
• Grains
  

Vegans have a more limited choice, as dairy is not an option. If you don't use a "complete" protein like soy or quinoa, what ever else you put in a vegan meal, it must include grains and beans/legumes to provide proper nourishment. Perhaps now you understand why rice and beans is such a popular dish, with hundreds of variations served in nearly every culture. 

Traditionally we get most of our carbs from a starch (potato) or grains (rice, bread, etc.). Potatoes, in proper servings, not laden with butter bacon and sour cream, are actually quite healthy. Other options are yams, sweet potatoes (there is a difference!), whole grain rice and more. In place of your basic loaf of white bread there are fantastic whole grain options available. Take a little time to research what's healthy, what's not, and read labels on the food you buy. You can't eat healthier, if you don't know how healthy you are eating now.