Whether you are looking to maintain a healthy body or shed a few excess pounds, the right combination of diet and exercise is paramount to success. The basic principle of “calories in, calories out” can be tailored to any weight loss or fitness goals.

If you are ready to jump into a healthier body, check out these five tips to get you on the road to a lean, mean nutrition machine in no time.

Eat for Your Heart

When your heart is pumping at top efficiency, the rest of your body will receive the nutrients and oxygen it needs for optimal health. Healthy hearts require a fare rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, first and foremost. These selections are packed nutrients that are good for the cardiovascular system.

Your heart also needs plenty of whole grains and a reduction of foods high in fat, sugar and sodium. A diet that follows these basic principles will get you on the road to a healthier heart and a healthier body overall.

Exercise for Your Heart

In addition to the right foods, your heart needs physical activity to keep it motoring along in top condition. The best workout for your heart involves cardiovascular exercise that gets the body moving and the blood pumping.

You can walk, jog, swim or bike your way to better health. You can visit your local gym to try out the treadmill, elliptical machine, Nordic track or recumbent bike. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week to keep your heart in top condition.

Eat for Your Bones

Your skeletal system supports your entire body, so keep it strong for life with foods rich in calcium, vitamin D and protein. While most people think dairy when they think calcium, other good sources include broccoli, tofu and collard greens. If it is dairy you crave, think fat-free milk, yogurt and cheese for healthy snacks and meal additions that pack on nutritional value without packing on pounds.

Exercise for Your Bones

The best workouts for your bones involve resistance or strength training, which specifically targets the various muscles of the body to build strength and endurance. You can complete a strength training program using machines at your local gym or at home with a few free weights and a bench. Your body also makes a good strength training tool, with pushups, pull-ups and squats providing plenty of resistance for effective muscle building.

Putting it all Together

As you can see, the most effective path to a healthy body means a combination of good food choices and a healthy workout program. There are other alternatives if you wish. Products such as Xenical can aid in losing weight while enjoying a routine fitness program and a healthy diet.

Whether you want to drop a few pounds or simply achieve a higher state of health overall, the path begins with healthy eating and a daily workout regimen. Pay attention to what you purchase at the grocery store and enlist the assistance of a personal trainer to get you started on a workout customized to your specific needs. It’s never too late – or too soon – to pursue a greater state of health and fitness.