Fundamentals
By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com Guide to Nutrition
Is the idea of good nutrition something new for you? This is where you will find all the fundamentals of building a healthy diet.
- Fats, Proteins and Carbohydrates
- Vitamins and Minerals
- Food Groups
- Dietary Supplements
- Nutrition and Health
Fats, Proteins and Carbohydrates

The macronutrients provide energy and the raw materials your body needs to stay alive. The three macronutrients are fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
- High Fiber Foods
- Find the Calories, Fat, Protein, Carbohydrates You Need
- What Makes a Healthy Protein So Healthy?
- Protein Combinations for Vegetarians
- Best Ways for Vegans to Get Proteins
Vitamins and Minerals

Micronutrients do not provide energy for the body, but they are necessary to carry out most of the biochemical processes that go on. A healthy diet can provide the vitamins and minerals you need, however there are times when dietary supplements are important too.
- How Do I Get Enough Calcium?
- Which Foods Contain Potassium?
- How Much Sun Do you Need to Get Enough Vitamin D?
- Major Minerals
Food Groups

The foods you eat can be divided into different groups to make planning a healthy diet easier. Learn about the food groups, the USDA Food Pyramid and other food pyramids.
Dietary Supplements

Sometimes eating a healthy diet might not be enough and you may want to take dietary supplements. Learn more about which dietary supplements you might need.
- Which Dietary Supplements Do You Need?
- Top Picks For Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acid Supplements
- How Much Vitamin B6 Do You Need?
- Top Fun Vitamins for Children
- How to Choose Dietary Supplements
- Prebiotics and Probiotics
- What Are the Side Effects of Taking Too Much Selenium?
Nutrition and Health

The foods you eat have a great effect on your health. Eating foods that are good for you will lead to good health and eating junk foods leads to poor health. Learn more about nutrition and your health.

