The government offers helpful tools on their nutrition website. The old food pyramid still exists but it’s been updated quite a bit since you learned about it in school. Did you know that a your daily allowance of meat is only about 5-6 ounces? That’s less than a half pound. You can’t talk about training without discussing the importance that diet plays in your overall health. A healthy diet doesn’t mean depriving yourself of everything that tastes good. It does mean making better choices for meals and snacks to help you achieve your goals. One of the biggest diet problems today is portion control. The exaggerated quantities popularized by advertising and restaurant chains have completely distorted our sense of the serving size. This “more is better” mentality is a difficult habit to break - but it is possible. The next time you reach for your favorite snackfood, check the serving size printed on the label. Measure it out and put the package away before you begin eating. It may seem tedious but counting out single servings will give you a better perspective of the amounts you should consume in one sitting.   The Importance Of Diet Try to cut back on the meat in your meals while increasing grains, vegetables and fruits in its place. Vegetables are not everyone’s favorite but perhaps you can try cooking different combinations together or expand upon the types of seasonings you use. You may find that things you disliked as a child are now much more appealing – especially once you realize their importance towards reaching and maintaining a healthy weight goal. Another way to get a handle on the amount of food you eat in a day is to write down everything you put in your mouth. Be sure to note the portion size and time of day. Kept daily, this diary will help you recognize the times when your willpower is weakest – helping you to be prepared with healthy snacks. It can also give you insight as to what may be lacking in your diet. Getting your eight 8’s will not only help you to feel full throughout the day, but will also help to flush your system of toxins. It will assist you with your weight loss goal and you may even notice a positive difference in your skin. The last thing that should be mentioned is daily water intake. The recommended daily amount is eight 8-ounce glasses. More than likely you aren’t drinking that much but you should be aware that dehydration can cause a multitude of problems including headaches, water retention, muscle cramps and digestive problems. If you are serious about your health and training regimen, you cannot ignore the role that diet plays. The best training program in the world will only bring you so far if you don’t eat right and keep your body hydrated. These tips are small ways that you can begin to focus on your diet without necessarily being on a diet. Opinion by Laura Ferraiolo