5 Quick Ways to Get Healthy

1. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It jump starts your metabolism, revs your engine, and kicks your brain into gear. You don't have to sit down to a five star Holiday Inn breakfast of pancakes, fried eggs, grits, and bacon though; most of us don't have the time or the stomach for such a feast. No, you just need to cover the basics of protein, carbs, and if possible a healthy fat. This could come from oatmeal, fruit, and whole-wheat toast, or if you read the labels, a fortified nutrition bar and juice or milk.

2. Outsmart the grocery store. I know many of us are caught perusing the aisles and stocking shelves with snacks "for the children." How well does that turn out? Instead, go to the store with a list of nutritious items needed for the week. Most of us also get sales info through the mail, so if you're looking for the deals of the week, pull them out of your box and get started. That way when you show up at the grocery store you have a mission instead of a general idea of what you want.

Stay away from the store when you are hungry. I know sometimes we are pressed for time, but it is often when our stomach growls that the worst mistakes are made. Who can resist an apple fritter when the only thing you had time to eat were the Saltines hidden in the back of your locker? So, plan menus as far ahead as possible, and make sure you have everything you need. It is easy to make poor choices based on convenience when you are running late, starving, and tired.

3. Strengthen your diet with vegetables. Don't cringe yet, there are multiple ways to slip vegetables into your diet in a devious manner, bringing everyday foods to a new level and allowing your body to soak up its nutrients. Some of the best ways are in pastas such as vegetable lasagna, which includes spinach, mushrooms, and of course a variety of tomato extras. Spinach pizza and spinach dip are also phenomenal (and I hate spinach on its own).

Give vegan alternatives a shot. Boca Burgers and Garden Burgers carry about half as much fat calories as the average burger while being loaded with protein. V8 in both fruit and vegetable are also highly recommended; many people have even bought juicers to create their own juice mixes. Here, you just need to make sure that you are including all your daily vitamins.

Jessica Seinfeld has also created a unique cookbook called, Deceptively Delicious, in an effort to incorporate vegetables into ordinary meals. She uses purees and unique spices to hide their tastes, and creatively she has outlined recipes for meatloaves with carrot, pancakes with sweet potato, and blueberry bars with beets. Her work has been featured on Oprah and commented on by Sarah Jessica Parker at deceptivelydelicious.com.

4. Look at Everything. Most dieting newbies dive in head first, clearing out the fridge, squaring their shoulders, and preparing themselves for a newer, better life. Unfortunately, in their rash fridge cleaning, many things are often overlooked. First, alcohol, highly sugared drinks (even juices), and sodas are a no-no. Why waste calories on something that carries no weight? If you're going to count it, eat it. Plus, these drinks often make you thirstier and awaken hunger. Choose water, satisfying your thirst and often capping off a stomach growl. Remember, you need to drink at least 64 oz. a day.

Nowadays, everyone seems to have an eye out for low or non-fat items, so many things, such as milk, mayo, and dressing don't have to be high fat. Replace things such as Ranch dressing, cottage cheese, yogurt, and cream cheese with fat free or low calorie versions. Try ordering your salad with oil and vinegar on the side, and try mustard as a replacement of mayonnaise. Also, watch out when ordering in restaurants or coffee houses, most have fat free or low calorie milks in stock, but unless asked for, you will be getting full fat in your early morning brew.

5. Fast Food 101. Macdonald's cannot be an everyday thing. (Neither can a rotating schedule of restaurants.) We all eat out occasionally; whether with coworkers, on birthdays, or with family, it's destined to happen. The question is, how do we handle it. Are we condemned to eating salads at Chili's for the rest of our lives? Thankfully, the answer is no, at least if you play your cards right. Most restaurants provide menus that show calories/ nutrition facts, and some are even beginning to prepare items specifically for the health conscious.

The most important thing to remember while you are out is moderation. No foods are truly off limits. Pizza, pasta, and seafood will always rock, and most outings are not dieting friendly. So, eat half and take half home, try to pick something relatively healthy, or splurge your heart out if you can't resist. You won't be arrested, just don't do it every day. Eating healthy and improving your diet is about what you do on a daily basis, so play smart.

Good Luck!