Here are some tips on eating the right way!

Eat three or more pieces of fresh fruit and salad each day, varying their colour. Choose whole, organic items rather than refined, processed foods that are full of additives. To preserve nutrients, eat freshly cooked food, rather than frozen, or packaged foods.

It is better to eat several small meals a day, rather than a large lunch and dinner, which are hard to digest and also can make you feel sleepy. Instead, consume five to six small meals a day, of healthy foods. This way, every time the food is eaten, the body burns calories while breaking it down, eventually helping to raise the metabolism.

Drastic changes are hard to maintain. Enjoy favourite foods in small amounts, occasionally. "No human being should have to live without those sweet, freshly baked goodies, forever". If you're craving them, eat just enough to satisfy your taste buds, and freeze or lock away the rest.

If you are trying to watch your weight, train yourself to eat in one place, preferably at a table. It's easy to overeat when meals are grabbed on the run or while standing in front of the refrigerator. Eat slowly to give your body time to release the enzymes that tell your brain you've had enough. Also the slower you eat, the sooner you'll feel full.

If you're not sure whether or not you're actually hungry, drink a glass of fresh fruit juice or water, and then decide. Don't just eat to pacify a short-term emotional need. Ask yourself, "am I really hungry?"

At the end of the day, when the body is tired and has little energy, most of us gear up again for social and business dinners. The later you eat, the harder it gets to digest the food. If you have to eat dinner later, eat a small snack before 8 p.m., so that you won't be very hungry during dinner time.

Try exotic flavours. Buy fresh herbs, mustard, sun- dried tomatoes and whatever else that adds a special flavour to the food. Instead of frying; you can grill, roast, bake, stir-fry or blanch the food. Limit fat intake to 20 percent of total calories. You need to control the calories, fat, portion size, and yet, make food that is tasty.

Many of us look for an antidote to our emotional pain. It could be alcohol, drugs or food. Too much of it leads to weight gain, which in turn leads to more stress. Avoid mindless eating and modify your habits to control stress. Take up healthy habits to de-stress, such as an outdoor activity, breathing and relaxation techniques.

Eat high water content foods, such as watermelon, oranges, pineapples, tomatoes and cucumber. Drink plenty of water, fruit and vegetable juices and coconut water.

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