A healthy diet is balanced, varied, and contains the right number of calories that you need. While there is no one healthiest diet, there are some general features of a healthy diet. In general, a healthy diet includes lots of nutrient rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as fish. But a healthy diet also avoids foods that are low in overall nutrients (such as candy and soda pop) and limits the intake of Trans and saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium, and may also limits intake of foods with a high glycemic index. The glycemic index describes the effect that a high-carbohydrate food has on your blood sugar; some researchers believe that lower glycemic index foods, which cause smaller increases in blood sugar, are better for overall health. You should consult your doctor or nutritionist to develop a diet that is right for you. The following are some general guidelines for a balanced diet.

• Do not eat meat more than once a day - fish and poultry are preferred over other meats.
• Avoid fried foods, which have high fat content from the oil they are cooked in; bake or broil food instead.
• Limit your intake of salt and monosodium glutamate (MSG).
• Eat plenty of fiber.
• Do not eat more than 4 eggs per week; eggs are very high in cholesterol.
• Limit desserts and other high-calorie foods that have little nutritive value.
• Avoid alcohol, or drink in moderation.
• Eat from all the food groups; eating too much of anything means you are missing out on the nutrients found in other foods.
• Follow the recommendations of the food guide pyramid (available at mypyramid.gov).