The key to changing your food habits is ENJOYMENT! Make sure you're getting a nice wide variety, different colors and shapes, chewy and crunchy and delicate and munchy things, and make sure it all smells tempting too. Don't eat while you do anything else - just enjoy the delicious food, and maybe a bit of music or face-to-face conversation (NOT work, TV, or talking on the phone).

Experiment with different sauces, spices, and spreads. Choose whole-grain breads and pasta - it's twice as satisfying. Keep a good assortment of fresh fruit on hand, and carrots and/or celery if you like them. Don't forget nuts, if you like them and can eat them - nut oils are actually quite good for the heart in moderation, and nuts are very satisfying.

Try different drinks too - new juices, maybe herb teas, a new flavor of coffee. Sugary soda is terrible for your health in a million ways - try melted juice concentrate spritzed up with seltzer instead. Blend a mega-ripe banana or a few canned (in juice) peach slices with milk for a liquid treat.

Keep trying new things! If there's a new kind of cracker on sale, or fresh figs turn up in the produce aisle, give them a whirl. It's all about satisfaction, and variety is the spice of life.

Love, Columbine