Today, more than ever before, we are constantly bombarded with news stories about diseases associated with lifestyle factors. Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions and more people are confused about what constitutes healthy living than ever before. With a multi-billion dollar diet and weight loss industry that seems to grow with each passing year, it is baffling how many people lack the understanding of how to live a healthy, well balanced life that will promote optimum health and help to reduce the likelihood of suffering for preventable diseases associated with poor lifestyle choices. The Art and Science of Healthy Nutrition seeks to shed light on what defines a healthy lifestyle and why today's diet industry runs in the face of common nutritional logic. The guide seeks to explain what encompasses healthy eating, how to get active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The book also explains the dangers of fad diets and modern day weight loss advice. The book does not waste time arguing for the need for a healthy lifestyle, that much is readily apparent. It dives right into providing useful information on the nutrients that are highly beneficial to the prevention of many common, but avoidable diseases. The book advocates paying close attention to ensure the adequate consumption of the following nutrients: Omega-3 fatty acids Phytonutrients Antioxidants Health, as the book notes, is not just related to diet. It is also important to keep in mind: Mental clarity, health and wellness Physical wellness outside of nutrition, such as sleeping patterns and overall environment The book goes on to describe the nutrients as well as lifestyle choices that can help improve diet, as well as mental and general physical health. Since the diet and weight loss industry is such a fixture in society, the book takes a minute to discuss the main reasons why these fad or crash diets don't work. Fad diets often involve dramatic, instant changes in diet and lifestyle to the point of extremes. They often mean that we go without, that we must deprive ourselves and more often than not, this ends up burning us. With a gradual lifestyle adjustment, change happens slowly and does not require us to deprive ourselves of the things that we love. The book lays out an accessible and attainable means by which to achieve one's healthy lifestyle goals. It recommends the following path: Set realistic and attainable goals Keep track of progress as well as regression Celebrate successes, whether large or small Learn portion control Hydrate Get active While a healthy lifestyle does not have to involve deprivation or looking at food as the "enemy," there are foods that are simply bad for us. Meaning, they do not offer anything by way of nutrition and often have detrimental effects on our bodies. The Art and Science of Healthy Nutrition recommends reducing these foods in one's diet: White flour Refined sugars and fake, low- or no-calorie sweeteners Excessive cholesterol MSG Excessive salt Trans and saturated fats Processed, ready-made, frozen and canned foods The book goes on to lay out the tenets of a healthy diet, what foods to include and what nutrients are vital to health and wellness. It even provides great advice on staying healthy while eating out, on-the-go. It also outlines the basics for a healthy, active lifestyle and provides a wealth of tips and examples of physical activity that best promotes health and wellness. Though we are armed with more information than ever before, for many, the concept of healthy living is for many as foreign as quantum physics. Popular media and the diet industry have muddled the proverbial waters with buzz words and an emphasis on this nutrient or that. The Art and Science of Healthy Nutrition shatters the myths and explains the nuts and bolts of a healthy lifestyle. It provides accessible information that makes healthy living as it should be: accessible and attainable.