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Imagine better health, higher energy levels, improved sleep patterns, better concentration, more stamina, and loss of body fat. Sound too good to be true? These are just a few of the benefits of adopting a healthy eating plan. The best part is it's simpler than you think.

A well balanced diet will supply all the essential nutrients you need to be fit and healthy. The question is what exactly is a balanced diet? We've heard so many conflicting opinions; what's good for us, what isn't, so where does one begin? A diet low in saturated fat and high in fiber, complex carbohydrates, and fresh fruit and vegetables is generally considered to be a well balanced diet.

Carbohydrate is our main and most important source of energy. To understand why, we must examine the different types. Simple sugars, which are found in fruit, milk and ordinary table sugar are refined and are best avoided as they provide energy without the associated fiber, vitamins or minerals.

A healthy diet should contain plenty of complex carbohydrates which are found in cereals/grains (bread, rice, pasta, barley, millet, buckwheat, rye) and some root vegetables, such as potatoes and parsnips. These are filled with essential dietary fiber and B vitamins, which can prevent many digestive problems and protect against diseases like colonic cancer.

Fat, despite many modern misconceptions, is not all bad. In fact, a little fat is essential for healthy tissues, for the manufacture of hormones and to act as a carrier for some vitamins. Plant fat (e.g. raw nuts, fish, avocados, and soybeans)is better for you than animal fat. Animal fat is known as a saturated fat which can raise the amount of cholesterol in the blood and lead to heart disease.

Protein is necessary to build new muscles or other tissues, to heal wounds and replace old tissues, to help fight infection, and to transport nutrients and oxygen in the blood. As well as meat and fish, protein can be found in a variety of grains, legumes, and vegetables.

Now that we know what a well balanced healthy diet is, how can we implement this into our lives?

It's hard to eat healthily when you're constantly on the go, but not impossible. If you know you're a fast food junkie, or a snack addict, don't go cold turkey, rather phase in your new healthy diet a little at a time. At lunchtime, instead of buying a sandwich, fries and a coke, try a whole meal sandwich, an apple and mineral water.

Carrying fruit around with you (dried fruit is especially handy) for emergencies and to see you through those mid afternoon slumps will stop you from heading to the nearest snack machine or fast food joint. It will also stop your blood sugar levels from dropping too low, so you don't over compensate by grabbing a burger on the way home.

Water shouldn't be underestimated. You need around 8 glasses a day to keep your body functioning normally - more if you live in a hot or humid climate, or do strenuous activity during the day.

When you buy meat, opt for fish or chicken rather than fatty red meats, and try to include vegetable proteins such as legumes, nuts and seeds.

The benefits of a healthy diet are amazingly diverse. Improved digestion eradicates lethargy after eating, a healthier body is a healthier mind, and cultivates a better self image. A more positive attitude to others and a strengthened immune system allows you to fight off infections more easily and improved mental health and vitality lead to a better performance in the workplace. If you don't believe me, try it and see for yourself.