Nutrition Definition

Nutrition Definition

Nutrition is a science. It is the study of the substances found in food and how they work in the body. Since it is a science, its findings should be based on reproducible experimentation and carefully controlled studies. Research in the relatively new field of nutrition, is ongoing and nearly every week, a new study comes out revealing some interpretation of recent scientific data.

There are six nutrition categories that we need to consider when looking at a healthy eating lifestyle. Each of these categories has a unique and important role to play in your total good health.

Protein - Carbohydrates - Fats - Vitamins - Minerals - Water

Fiber may also be included as a nutrition category, especially since it has become an issue because our food supply provides more processed foods (which generally provide little fiber, than ever before.

Planning Based on Nutrition

Nutrition is a useful tool for planning a healthy eating lifestyle. It is not the whole picture, but it gives us the tools to make the choices that will keep us feeling well. 


The goal of all healthy eating plans should be:

(1) to eat a variety of healthy foods that taste good,

(2) to eat all foods in moderate amounts, and

(3) to limit or avoid foods that have no real nutritional value. (You know what those are!)


The study of nutrition is about feeling well, so that you have the energy and vitality to enjoy your life. The truism that “Health is Wealth” cannot be overstated. Health is one of those things that if you have it, you can focus on other things, and if you don’t, it will be all that you can focus on. And wellness does not come about by accident. It is a conscious, purposeful approach to living that requires at least a little knowledge about nutrition.

Nutrition Definition: Knowing the basics

There is a great deal of confusion about nutrition. In addition, there is a lot of good information about healthy eating that the average person simply doesn't know. It is important that you take the time to educate yourself about the basics of nutrition. Click on the buttons at the top of this page under "The Basics" to begin learning information about nutrition that you need in order to choose a healthy diet.


Click here to go from Nutrition Definition page to Carbohydrate Definition page.