• Manage your body weight. Studies continue to show that most of the disease processes that disturb our quality of life are weight-related. Take a good look at your "calories in" versus "calories out".
   
• Create a lifestyle without trans fats. Open up your pantry at home. Check ALL of the ingredients lists on all of the nutrition labels and discard all foods which contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils or shortening (more info in my recently published book called The Trans Fat Free Kitchen). Trans fats are the deadliest fats ever created.
   
• Improve your intake of those good "carbs," or carbohydrates. They are our greatest source of energy and fiber from food (among a bunch of other great nutrients). Take it one step beyond fruits and vegetables; include whole breads and crackers, whole grain cereals, white and sweet potatoes, with the skins, brown rice and whole wheat pasta.
   
• Prepare a little less and eat a little less! Think about it: how often have you cooked too much food, either for a holiday or just a family meal? When I am preparing brown rice at home, I make enough for the four of us. There is certainly plenty of salad, vegetables, and a little extra protein if need be.
   
• Eat more fish. Be cautious of the mercury-laden fish such as albacore tuna, shark, and swordfish. In fact, consider adding a daily fish oil supplement for its anti-inflammatory properties--now known to reduce inflammation all over the body: the heart, the immune system and the gastrointestinal system.
   
• Make it colorful. Anti-oxidants, phytochemicals, lycopenes. all those fancy words for anti-coronary, anti-cancer, chock full of health nutrients -- pick a few of these food sources every day. Melons, berries, dried fruits, apricots, pomegrantes, kiwi and tomatoes, broccoli, squash, leafy greens (for improved memory, too) and sweet potatoes.
   
• Hold on to some fun with food. We all get some pleasure from food. Keep it fun with the occasional half of a dessert, scoop of ice cream, glass of red wine, slice of pizza or a piece of dark chocolate.

Live a little - Live long!

I will be writing my next column answering your questions. Address them to Ronni Litz Julien at ronnij@bellsouth.net

Thanks!

Yours, Ronni

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