Anytime is a great time to start making healthy food choices that your entire family will enjoy. Not only will better food selections keep your body healthy and prevent a variety of illnesses; you will also enjoy the beauty benefits that nutritious foods will offer to your skin, nails and hair. Promise yourself to make five diet choices that will get you on the road to better health and a more beautiful you.

Choice #1: Try Something New

You may hear about foods that are packed with nutrients and fiber, but you may not be sure what those foods are or how to cook with them. Try a new food every month and find a way to incorporate it into your regular cooking program. Check out choices like barley, lentils or soybeans that can give you a healthy dose of protein and fiber or a fruit or vegetable that you’ve never tried before. You may find a new favorite dish for your whole family!

Choice #2: Cook More

Cooking may seem like more than you can handle after a full day’s work, but preparing your own meals is the best way to control your ingredients and serving size. Make the task easier by using a slow cooker or prepare-ahead meals that can be popped into the oven when you come home. Purchase pre-washed, chopped veggies from the produce section of your grocery store to shorten prep time as well.

Choice #3: Add Whole Grains

The USDA recommends 6-11 portions of this food group every day, so stock up on cereals and breads and enjoy them as much as you like. As long as you stick with the whole grain variety that is high in fiber and nutrients, you will help prevent many types of diseases, lower cholesterol and feel full longer – which may lead to a lower calorie consumption and weight loss. Another good way to add a serving of fiber to your diet is to toss wheat germ or bran onto your morning cereal or into spaghetti sauce or soup at night.

Choice #4: Don’t Forget Breakfast

A big mistake that many dieters make is to skip breakfast in the hopes of cutting out calories. Unfortunately, this plan can backfire when you grab a sugary snack or a loaded cup of java in the middle of the morning because your energy level has dropped from lack of an energy supply. Mom was right; a healthy breakfast really is the most important meal of the day, so enjoy a bowl of whole grain cereal, a whole grain waffle with fresh fruit or an egg and whole wheat toast.

Choice #5: Choose Wisely at Lunch

Fast food may be the mainstay for the executive lunch today, but it doesn’t have to be loaded with fat and calories. Make healthy choices at the fast food counter, such as grilled chicken sandwiches sans the mayo, salads with dressing on the side and small, plain hamburgers. Most chains will also offer nutritious side dishes like a garden salad or apple slices for a no guilt companion. With a bit of fast food savvy, you will never again be singing the blues of a high calorie, high fat and high sodium lunch.

Get on the right track with healthy food selections that will help you look and feel great.

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