Five Foods You Should Eat Every Day

Deciding what to eat is something you probably do multiple times each day. If you want to follow a healthier diet, make these decisions good ones with a simple plan of go-to foods that guides you to the best things to eat every day. Base your diet on five healthy types of food, and choose a wide variety of foods from within each group to get the nutrients you need.
Lean Proteins

Eat lean proteins every day. Protein is vital for the growth and maintenance of your cells, muscles and organs. Choose fish, skinless poultry and eggs, and don't forget to include plant-based protein sources in your diet too, such as beans, tofu, lentils, nuts and seeds.
Healthy Fats

Saturated fats are found mainly in butter, full-fat dairy products and other fatty animal products, and trans fats are found in many fried foods, commercially made baked goods, snacks, some margarine, restaurant foods and processed foods that contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. Instead, get heart-healthy unsaturated fats in your diet every day from foods including olive and canola oils, pumpkin seeds, salmon and other fatty fish, avocados, almonds and other nuts.
Fruit and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors provide a range of disease-fighting vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. Eat several servings each day including choices such as sweet potatoes and other yellow and orange produce, kale and other dark green leafy vegetables, pink grapefruit and red pomegranate.
Whole Grains

Eat whole grains every day. They have more vitamins, minerals and fiber than refined grains, such as white rice, white bread and other processed foods made from grains stripped of their germ and bran. Eat a variety of whole grains, including brown rice, barley, oatmeal, quinoa and millet, and foods made from whole grains, including whole wheat breads and pastas.
Low-Fat Dairy Products

Dairy products provide you with calcium and vitamin D, but choose fat-free or 1 percent milk, yogurt and cheese to avoid artery-clogging saturated fat. If you don't eat dairy products regularly, make sure to get calcium and vitamin D from supplements instead.