We would all like to be a little healthier. Some of us a lot healthier. What we put in our bodies contributes to how we feel, how our bodies perform on a daily basis. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to know just what to eat and how to prepare our meals when we are bombarded every time we go to the grocery store by junk food, preservatives, and prepared meals designed to make dinner faster and easier, but not necessarily healthier.

I just wanted to highlight some main point to keep in mind when buying and preparing food so it doesn't need to be as complicated. Just following a few basic tips for eating healthier will make our daily food choices a whole lot easier.

Go for whole grains at every opportunity. This means out with the white breads, cereals, pastas, and rice. Just making that swap will give your diet a nutrient rich boost. Don't be deceived by foods labeled "enriched grains". These foods loose many of their nutrients during processing and although some are replaced, not all are including fiber.

Check labels. The less ingredients in a product, the better. Beware of too many sugars. Look for any ingredients ending in "ose" Sucrose, glucose, fructose, etc.

Avoid overusing salt and cook with more herbs and spices. Experiment in your cooking and enjoy new flavors you may be missing out on. Plus, most herbs have medicinal benefits and are really good for you. You can also use citrus juices or rice vinegar for flavoring.

Bake instead of fry. This is a much healthier way to cook your meals since you avoid using additional oils and with a baking rack you can let the fats drip off and discard of them when you're done.

Consider substituting refined white sugar for healthier sweeteners. These include, natural unprocessed honey, fruit juices, agave syrup (which to me tastes exactly like cane sugar), and molasses. Still, try use any kind of sugars sparingly.

Just skip the soda. There isn't a single positive thing I can think to say about soda except that maybe it tastes good. Not enough reason to drink it. Instead drink plenty of water, water, water! You'll be amazed at the difference in how you feel after making it a habit to drink at every meal. Other drinks such as teas and 100% juices are good too.

Sprinkle seeds on your dish. There is such a variety out there including sesame, pumpkin, sunflower, flax, and chia. They add rich flavor and are packed in Vitamin E and so many more nutrients.

Don't forget your fruits and veggies. This one is obvious, but essential. Get a good variety, and make sure to get plenty of dark green vegetables every day.

Eat the right kinds of fats. No one should avoid all fats all the time. Our bodies and brains use fats with vital nutrients and essential fatty acids for many basic functions. Look for polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. These improve blood cholesterol levels, benefit insulin levels, decrease risk of heart disease, and decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes. The fats you should avoid are saturated and trans fat which mainly come from animal source food and do just the opposite for you.

Remember these healthy choices when going grocery shopping and preparing your meals and you'll already be on the best route towards a healthy heart, mind and body. Eating a variety of whole, unprocessed foods and keeping salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats to a minimum is the key. Enjoy your health and keep seeking everyday ways to be a healthier you!