What do you think when you see the word “diet”?

Almost everyone has tried a diet at some point in his or her life, and everyone has an opinion on it. Some swear this diet helps lose weight. Others claim that diet cleanses the body. Still more say diets don’t work at all.

However, the biggest problem with the back and forth discussion about diets — particularly the high protein, low carbohydrate, low fat diets — is those diets only focus on meat, carbs, and fats. They turn attention away from the most important food groups — vegetables and fruits.

Nutrition is a complex subject that can have contradictory results from different studies. While there is much debate about other food groups, there is no doubt that eating lots of vegetables and fruits is one of the best ways to stay healthy.

In fact, a recent study by the University College of London found that eating seven or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day reduced risk of premature death from any cause by 42 percent, compared to consuming less than one serving per day. Actually, any increase in the amount of fruits and vegetables you consume was found to be beneficial. Risk of premature death was reduced by 14 percent if you eat one to three servings a day; 29 percent for three to five servings; and 36 percent for five to seven servings.

Whether you're trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle, you'll want to include fruits and veggies. Counting calories and cutting carbs could help you shed pounds, but eating more greens can help keep you healthy.

So enjoy fruits and veggies during every meal and snack. Aim to have them make up half of your daily food intake. For the other half, find the combination of protein, fat, and carbohydrates that works well for you and your lifestyle.

Reynolds and Reynolds is committed to wellness as a way to help employees develop healthy habits that help them be more productive and engaged, both professionally and personally.