Nutrition is the intake of food, considered in relation to the body’s dietary needs. Good nutrition – an adequate, well balanced diet combined with regular physical activity – is a cornerstone of good health. Poor nutrition can lead to reduced immunity, increased susceptibility to disease, impaired physical and mental development, and reduced productivity.

• Age
• Sex
• Lifestyle
• Medical History and
• Body Size

Hence we have special charts and guide lines for nutrition for children, nutrition for athletes, nutrition for expectant mothers, nutrition for adults and nutrition for senior citizens. At the same time you will be able to learn more about nutrition for athletes and those suffering from serious diseases such as arthritis, coronary diseases, osteoporosis, blood pressure, diabetes, renal diseases and so on. As we dawn upon the fact that health and nutrition go hand in hand, we need to be very careful when we chalk out a diet plan and try to stick to it.

There are many popular diets such as the Biggest Loser Club, Medifast, Nutrisystem, South Beach, Slim Fast and Atkins and diet books, guides etc available, but it will be a good idea to consult a dietitian or any other qualified nutrition professional, so as to achieve best results.

Certain basic guidelines which can be followed for those on a diet plan

1. Try to have small meals at every 2 - 3 hour interval so as to feel energized throughout the day. The best way is to opt for a heavy breakfast, a medium lunch and light supper or dinner.
2. Be sure to include lots of fresh foods, salads, soups, nuts vegetables and whole grains in the nutrition diet.
3. Try to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, soups and salads of different colors which could be appealing.
4. Try to keep a food diary and record the foods eaten along with their servings
5. Make use of a calorie counter which is a sort of ready reckoner which mentions the amount of calories in particular food item or dish in order to keep track of your calorie count.

India is known for its variety in food and cooking styles. Indian diets are well suited to Indian work patterns and life styles. A typical Indian meal includes all the vital nutrients required in a balanced diet such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates too. As you indulge in a regular thali, you will have an option of eating lentils which are a good source of proteins, vegetables - in raw or cooked form provide fiber, rice and chapati (Indian bread) are good source of carbohydrates and yogurt or buttermilk which provides proteins as well.

Nutrition in India if followed according to traditional style of cooking and eating habits assures good health and a balanced diet. But in the present scenario, where Indians have adopted a lifestyle which is more or less sedentary where the physical activity is greatly reduced, many serious diseases such as obesity, overweight, diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases, kidney problems, arthritis and so on have become widespread. It makes sense to make a conscious decision to adapt to a slightly more healthier lifestyle by cutting down of fatty foods, junk food as they are made with lot of fat and oils. And increase the physical activity or exercise to keep these serious diseases under control or at bay.