Tips for healthier eating

I recently heard a great tip for healthier eating, and it's really quite simple. When you're at the grocery store, shop only from the outer edge of the store whenever possible.

If you think about it, that's where you'll find the fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, butter, yogurt, cheese products, meat, fish and eggs. Your diet will consist of only fresh, natural products, and you'll be avoiding the temptation to purchase the refined, processed foods and products found in the center aisles of the store.

Exceptions to this rule, at least at our grocery store, are that pastries, ice cream and soda pop are also on the outside of the store and should be avoided. Another exception is that some needed items such as olive oil, dried herbs, and personal care products will be on the inside aisles, but you get the idea - avoid processed foods as they contain preservatives, transfats and sugar among other less than desirable ingredients.

Just stick to the outside aisle while shopping, and you'll feel better and shed some of those exra pounds you picked up over the holidays.