Everyone wants to eat healthier so they can stay trim and live longer. But when reality sets in, most people don’t seem to be able to find the time to think about what they are eating. Then everyday stress sets in, and combines with the guilt you feel for not taking care of yourself, and the next thing you know you are eating a pint of ice cream for dinner. Luckily, all it takes is a little planning and some common sense to eat a healthier diet. Here are some tips to get you started.

Snack Smarter

The key is to think of snacks as an essential part of your diet every day. The fact of the matter is that it’s better to eat smart snacks in between meals, rather than pigging out a couple of times a day because you are starving by the time you get a chance to sit down and eat. Some quick snacking tips to remember:

• Snack on fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts rather than junk food from the vending machine. You say you don’t like fruits and vegetables? Make it a habit to try one item from the produce section every time you do your grocery shopping. There are so many different items available now, there is truly something for everyone.
• Some great produce snacks to bring to work include bananas, grapes, apples, and berries. They are portable, packed with nutrients, and easy to eat without making a mess. Add string cheese or a cup of yogurt to help fill you up. Raisins and nuts are also great to keep on hand since they are sweet and won’t spoil as quickly. Just don’t overdo it - take a handful.
• Switch from milk chocolate to dark chocolate. Recent studies indicate that cocoa is a great source of antioxidants, and dark chocolate has less milk fat than milk chocolate.
• Always buy healthy snacks when you go food shopping. If you keep healthy snacks on hand at home and at work, you will be less likely to make the long trek to the vending machine or coffee truck. And if you don’t have drawers full of cookies and cake at home, you will automatically reach for healthier fare instead.
• If you can’t live without your favorite junk food, rely on portion control. Take a serving out of the package, then seal it up, put it away, and walk away. If you eat junk food right out of the package, it is too easy to overeat.