The human body needs six main classes of nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Including these six nutrients in the daily diet is very important for the building process of the body and to maintain healthy functioning of the body. Poor health may sometimes be caused by either an excess or shortage of nutrients, which may adversely affect the functions of the body. 

Keep the following in mind

• A healthy diet may include a variety of foods from the basic food groups: protein, such as meat, eggs, and legumes; dairy; fruits and vegetables; grains, such as breads and pasta; and fats and sweets.
  
  
• Make it a point to include a serving or two of fresh fruits or vegetables at each meal.
  
  
• Remember that food is one of the joys of life. All foods, if eaten in moderate quantities, can be a part of a healthy diet. If your favourite snacks are high in sugar, salt, fat or calories, eat small helpings only, limit how often you eat them or look for healthier alternatives.
  
  
• Limit the intake of saturated fats. These fats are found in animal products such as fatty meats, butter, cream and cheese. Reducing such fats from your diet can help bring down cholesterol and blood pressure levels as well as lower the risk of heart disease.
  
  
• Do not skip breakfast. It provides a chance to eat whole grain foods with low-fat such as hot or cold cereal. This is also an excellent source of calcium if it includes skimmed or low-fat milk. As breakfast is the meal that ends the overnight fast, a good breakfast helps in preventing hunger and overeating later in the day.