Eating healthfully does not require an advanced degree in nutrition. It doesn't require an analysis that rivals a NASA shuttle launch, either. All it involves is some basic knowledge about what's good for you and what isn't.

First, it's important to know about three of the four macronutrients: carbs, protein, and fat (vitamins make up the fourth category). The first two listed contain four calories per gram, whereas fat contains nine calories per gram. Does this mean that fat should be avoided? Yes and no -- unhealthy fats, such as the trans fats found in donuts, should be avoided, while healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, should have a place on your daily plate. Similarly, fast-digesting carbs, such as those found in white rice and sugary soft drinks, are not a good choice, whereas slow-digesting carbs, such as vegetables and wholegrain products, are.

Second, you need to know what foods are good sources of these macronutrients. Here's a quick breakdown to help you along:

PROTEIN

• Fish
• Chicken Breast
• Eggs
• Whey Protein Shake
• Beef
• Lentils
• Nuts
• Soy
• Venison
• Greek Yogurt
  
• Bison
• Ostrich
• Milk
• Cottage Cheese

CARBOHYDRATES

• Oatmeal
• Wholegrain Bread
• Sweet Potato
• Brown Rice
• Vegetables
• Soba Noodles
• Wholegrain Pasta
• Buckwheat
• Fruits

FATS

• Nuts
• Avocado
• Olive Oil
• Flaxseed Oil
• Sesame Oil
• Peanut Butter
• Sunflower Seeds
• Pumpkin Seeds
• Fish Oil

Third and lastly, don't go crazy over all of this. The benefits of a healthy diet can only be obtained if you stick to it, so why make that task nearly impossible by sweating every last detail. Use this list as a guide, but know that it is not vital that you eat each and every food featured. In fact, given the amount of food listed, that's not even recommended!! Instead of focusing on what you don't have, such as the aforementioned advanced degree in nutrition, use what you have a plenty of: common sense. Stick to that and you'll be just fine.