Do you want more energy and improved overall health? A daily healthy eating plan can reduce your risk of disease, promote mental acuity and memory, and have you feeling so good you will wonder why you waited so long to make this valuable lifestyle change.

While everyone knows that wise food choices are important for health and well-being, making long-term changes is not always an easy task, particularly in today's busy world where fast food and quick meals are so readily available.

But, committing to right choices and developing habits that will help you stay healthy can be simple if you follow a few helpful tips and determine to keep your eyes on the ultimate goal - a happy, healthier you!

1. Follow healthy guidelines.

Try to maintain a balanced diet and make sure that you are eating the right number of servings from each food group everyday. Each major group contains several options so you will be able to choose foods that you like and enjoy while still making healthy decisions and giving your body what it needs to function efficiently.

2. Design a plan that fits your lifestyle.

It is important to find ways to incorporate a healthy eating plan into your current lifestyle. If you try to make changes that are too difficult to maintain or do not fit into your demanding schedule, then you will be more likely to give up and return to your old ways.

Find simple and easy recipes made with readily available ingredients, and even plan a menu ahead of time so you can choose options that can be taken to work, eaten on the go, or prepared quickly. If your plan is too complicated or difficult, you will find it hard to stick to your decision, especially on those busy days when time is factor.

3. Educate yourself.

To design a healthy eating plan you need to know how to read labels and learn to understand nutritional information. Find out how to choose, store, and prepare food properly for optimum nutrition and health benefits.

With a little bit of research, you can learn how to use the foods you like to create delicious meals that will make eating wisely both easy and enjoyable.

4. Plan for change.

Success is more likely if you set reasonable goals, take small steps, and monitor your progress so you can feel good about each accomplishment. If the change is too drastic, you may become overwhelmed and give up before you realize any benefits.

Trying to do too much too fast can be discouraging, so remember to make changes gradually and reward yourself for meeting your goals.

Whether you want to lose weight, feel healthier, experience more energy, or improve your immunity to prevent illness, your motivation for change is the most important factor in helping you stay committed to your plan. So, remind yourself why you want to change, set goals, and begin taking the necessary steps to achieve what you desire.

5. Connect with support networks.

One of the best ways to achieve and maintain change is to connect with people who support or encourage your positive choices. Family, friends, doctors, and even online forums can help you stay focused and determined, and remind you of all the benefits your healthy choices can offer.

Spending time with people who share your habits will help you make wiser decisions.

After all, it is much easier to snack on raw veggies when the person sitting across the table isn't savoring a giant piece of chocolate cake.

And, you will find that once you begin to experience the advantages of a healthy diet, unhealthy cravings will subside and you will not only enjoy, but prefer, your new way of eating.

Your daily healthy eating plan can be implemented one decision at a time. So, begin developing wise habits and making smart food choices that will help you look better, feel better, and live better.