10 healthy tips I try to live by

1. avoid carbonated drinks and pop
2. drink juice that is not "from concentrate" or "cocktail" (added sugar)
3. the less ingredients, the better... especially if you can pronounce them all
4. with breads, whole wheat should be the first ingredient on the list, not enriched or bleached
5. avoid foods with any kind of "high fructose corn syrup" (which can be hard to do, you'd be surprised what they put it in--just see for yourself)
6. incorporate fruits and/or veggies and dairy into most meals
7. go fresh and/or organic when all possible
8. choose a healthier snack, crackers/pretzels/popcorn in place of chips
9. cook/make your own meals instead of eating out or buy premade meals. then at least you know most of what you're eating and how it was prepared.
10. check to see what kind of vitamins, protein, etc. are in everything you buy. by buying a different brand or an alternative, you could be increasing good vitamins, etc. into your body.

these are some things I've gotten in the habit of doing and find myself changing my eating habits more and more as I go along. it's actually kind of fun, like a challenge to find the best foods. it has stopped me from eating certain foods, and at times can cost a little more... but I figure the quality is better than eating cheap and junkie foods because it's my body and I try to take care of it. I won't say that I'm perfectly healthy or lean and muscular because of these things... but my weight doesn't fluctuate nearly as much and it makes me feel better and healthier.

so try a few of them, let me know what you think... or share your own ideas!

a few diamonds in the rough I've discovered--
certain frecietta (sp) frozen pizzas (green box) actually have whole wheat crusts and lots of good vitamins and minerals. and taste amazing!
blueberries and pineapples have a ton of good things in them.
a lot of cereals are getting better, but still look out for high fructose corn syrup, they like to sneak it in there.
oatmeal is great!