Selecting from all the food groups is important in meeting your body’s nutrient, vitamin, and mineral needs. If you avoid a certain food group, your body may miss out on essential nutrients.

• Eggs, nuts, and meat all fall into the same category because they’re high in protein. While the bulk of your protein choices should be lean, variety is important. For example, fish offers nutrients that red meat doesn’t, and some nuts/seeds are excellent sources of essential fatty acids.

• Dairy products (such as milk, yogurt, and cheese) are high in calcium — vital for bone health — as well as other nutrients. People who don’t eat these products should go for calcium-rich alternatives such as broccoli, fortified orange juice or soy milk, and almonds.

• Pick produce of all different colors as an easy way to get a wide range of vitamins and minerals within the fruit and vegetable groups.

• Grains provide your body with long-lasting fuel and lower your risk of certain diseases, but many of the health-promoting nutrients are stripped away when a grain is refined. Choose whole grains for the most health benefits.

For good nutrition, it’s important to focus on all the different food groups and different items within each group.