Food and health are directly proportional to each other. Choice of food, to a large extent decides health of the person. Good eating habits result in a healthy body. As it is well known "health is wealth" , so a person must choose a diet with most of the calories from grain products, vegetables, fruits, low fat milk products, lean meats, fish, poultry, and dry beans and fewer calories from fats and sweets.

Food choice depends on history, culture, and environment, as well as on energy and nutrient needs. People also eat foods for enjoyment and there can be many different and pleasurable ways to combine foods to make healthful and tasty diets. Carbohydrates and proteins provide about 4 calories per gram. Fat contributes more than twice as much -- about 9 calories per gram. Alcohol, although not a nutrient, also supplies energy -- about 7 calories per gram. However, many low fat or non fat foods can also be high in calories. So the choice of food should according to one's own lifestyle.

Calorie needs vary by age and level of activity. Many older adults need less food, in part due to decreased activity, relative to younger or more active individuals. People who are trying to lose weight and eating little food may need to select more nutrient-dense food in order to meet their nutrient needs in a satisfying diet.

Healthful diets help children grow, develop, and do well in school. They enable people of all ages to work productively and feel their best. Food choices also can help to reduce the risk for chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Good diets can reduce major risk factors for chronic diseases -- factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol.

Healthful diets contain the amount of essential nutrients and calories needed to prevent nutritional deficiencies and excesses. Healthful diets also provide the right balance of carbohydrate, fat, and protein to reduce risks for chronic diseases, and are a part of a full and productive lifestyle. Such diets are obtained from a variety of foods that are available, affordable, and enjoyable.