Every two weeks, on payday, my husband and I go grocery shopping. I painstakingly map out how much money we have, what necessities we need, and then fill in the blanks with what sounds good that day. I am not a picky eater. Growing up eating healthy food was just what we did in our household. We didn’t have snack foods, we didn’t use pre packaged foods and there were no heavy fatty sauces. Our typical dinner consisted of boiled chicken breast, salad, green beans and the occasional potato.

My mother’s healthy eating tips were simple. Food is a necessity, nothing more, nothing less. My husband on the other hand has a very discerning pallet. He tires of things easily and he is always looking for a new more interesting way to prepare his food. His healthy eating guidelines are something along the lines of “starve until dinner and then have fun!” He and I obviously argue a lot over my healthy eating tips.

If he had his way we would have a different cuisine every night and our food budget would eclipse our monthly house payment. So each trip we “negotiate” loudly; and probably amuse many who are nearby. I try to defend my position and explain why my mother’s healthy eating tips are the way to go. In the end, however, I don’t get very far.

So, instead of trying to get him to eat the bland rigid diet of my youth, I have challenged him to create mouthwatering meals with only good foods. I have to admit I am slightly impressed with the results. So now, my healthy eating tips are super simple. Stay away from what’s bad and focus on what’s good. For example;

• Avoid sugary snacks and keep a variety of dried and fresh fruit with you for your daily snacks.
• Cut pop out of the equation. Stick to milk and water. If water is just too bland for you try a lemon or lime twist.
• Make sure to include plenty of vegetables, leafy green, yellow and orange in your meals for you and your family to fill up on.
• No matter how it is done, fried food is no good for you!

Bottom line, no matter how you phrase it, the best healthy eating tip you can follow is to keep it simple and get plenty of fruits and vegetables to satisfy your appetite as well as your sweet tooth.