With the New Year fast approaching, you’ve probably already made a resolution to yourself to eat a more balanced diet. Interestingly, if you take this approach, you won’t need to hop on one of those crazy diet bandwagons. Experts agree that eating healthfully is the best way to getting fit and keeping away major diseases.

Here’s what you should be including in your daily diet to keep things balanced, from your body to your mind.

Fruits and Berries

The great thing about fresh fruits and berries is that they taste so naturally sweet, it’s a treat for the taste buds.If you’re used to eating sugary sweets, you’ll have to start working these in so that your body learns to feel satisfied with them. Apples, bananas, blueberries,oranges, strawberries, cherries,grapes, grapefruit, kiwi, melon, and peaches are just some of the sweet fruits you should be filling your fridge and fruit baskets with. Don’t forget tomatoes! They’re actually a fruit too!

Olives and Avocados

Your body needs good fats and the best way to get those is to enjoy avocados and olives. Avocados are technically a fruitbut most of us eat them as a vegetable on salads. Add these two tasty indulgencesto salads and eating a balanced diet won’t taste like a punishment.

Eggs

Forget all that hype about eggs being high in cholesterol. New studies have proved they are extremely good for you. If youwant a dinner rich in protein that’s light and delicious, consider making an eggomelet with spinach and feta cheese.

Lean Meats

Beef, in particular, has high levels of iron, something your body needs. While you shouldn’t eat red meat every day, mixing up your proteins during the week with lean beef, chicken breast, and grass-fed lamb is a great way to give your body what you need.

 Nuts and Seeds

A portioned snack of nuts and seeds can actually help you lose weight. The satisfying crunch and high level of nutrients can help keep you satiated between meals too. Add some to salads for more texture to make it taste even better. Try almonds, chia seeds, walnuts, coconuts, and macadamia nuts.

Vegetables

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you probably already know vegetables are a must if you want to have a balanced diet. Try to vary which ones you eat by season though to enjoy them at their peak flavors and keep from getting bored. Asparagus, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, garlic, onions, and kale are just a few suggestions.

Fish and Seafood

Want to live longer? Eat more seafood. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids and iodine, something most people lack in their diets. Salmon, sardines, shrimp, tuna, trout, and shellfish are just a few to try.

Whole Grains

Many people cut out carbs, but your body needs them. The difference for a balanced diet is eating whole grains like brown rice, oats, and quinoa for example that don’t have processed ingredients.Don’t forget about legumes, lentils, and dairy either. As with anything, moderationis the key. Even in indulgences, like chocolate. A balanced diet includes dark chocolateas well, which has plenty of antioxidants to keep you healthy and satisfy yourcravings. Melt some and dip fresh berries into it for a dessert that will makeyou forget about sugary, processed treats!