It’s a fact that what goes into your body is what comes out as well, in terms of your skin, body and overall health. If you want to look good and feel great, the first step is to make the right nutritional choices every time you sit down to a meal. To help you out, we’ve listed a few “wonder foods” that you should try to include in your diet as often as possible. And just to spice it up, we’ve thrown in a few choices that you might not think about as health food!

Food #1: Pinto and Navy and Kidney, Oh My!

Beans are one of the healthiest foods you can include in your menu for many reasons. First, beans are high in fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system as well as weight loss. Beans are also high in protein, which makes them a great choice for healthier hair, skin and nails. Contrary to what many folks think, beans are also low in fat and calories. One of the healthiest beans you can choose is the garbanzo bean, so toss some on your next salad for additional “good for you” power!

Food #2:  Think Orange

Orange veggies are a great source of beta carotene, but they can also be a yummy way to get your fiber, potassium and vitamin C as well. Many grocery stores are now selling diced butternut squash in packages that make it easy to use in soups or stir-fry. Other great choices include carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and winter squash. Think orange for good health and your body will thank you!

Food #3:   Spice it Up

Most of us would never think of chili peppers as a health food, but these hot little items are loaded with vitamin A – even more than carrots, if you can believe it! They are also a great source of many of the B vitamins that are good for your hair and nails. However, the really amazing ingredient in chili peppers is something called capsaicin. This substance is a natural anti-inflammatory that is also good for the cardiovascular system. It is capsaicin that creates the burning sensation in the peppers, so fire up your menu and reap the benefits.

Food #4:  Take it from the Cows

It seems that dairy has received a bad rap in recent years, but milk, cheese and yogurt are a great source of calcium and protein, as long as you keep your choices low fat or fat free. A glass of fat free milk can fill your stomach with very few calories, making it a healthy choice for many dieters. Yogurt offers the additional benefits of acidophilus, which will keep your gut healthy and boost your immune system. The USDA recommends 3 one-cup servings of dairy every day, so don’t be afraid to enjoy your milk and cheese.

Healthy eating does not have to be challenging or even painful. By loading up on the good stuff first, you will have less appetite for the decadent choices that offer plenty of calories but little nutritional value. Check out some of our choices in healthy foods, and rediscover the joys of cooking and feasting with no guilt on the side. Here’s to a luscious, healthy body in 2008!

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