If you want to eat healthier, make a plan and picture yourself doing so.  Researchers recently found that study subjects who “mentally rehearsed” the action plan of how they were going to buy, prepare and eat a healthy food doubled their consumption of it versus those who didn’t plan and visualize.

• As many fruits and veggies as possible – the  superstars include: avocados, tomatoes, garlic, onions (red best), cruciferous family (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, watercress), asparagus, red/orange/yellow, bell peppers, spinach, other dark salad greens/lettuce, carrots, sweet potatoes, berries – any variety (frozen are cheaper and just as healthy),  pomegranates, any whole citrus, cantaloupes, mangoes, kiwi, apples, red/purple grapes, cherries, plums

• Monounsaturated fats as your main fats (extra virgin olive oil, canola oil, nuts/seeds, and avocados)

• 100% whole grain breads and cereal products. Physically intact grains are best.

• Omega 3 fats regularly (oily fish, omega 3 eggs, walnuts, canola oil, whole soy foods)

• Any variety of beans/legumes – daily best

• The healthy protein packages – fish, shellfish, poultry, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, nuts, beans, soy, omega 3 eggs

• Water as your beverage of choice