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The anatomy of a diet is making smart food choices. It's a simple thing to do and yet many people have a difficult time following through. Temptation and habit overthrow common sense and will power. Having a positive mindset and good information can make it easy to make better choices.

We all have to eat several times every day. That means there are at least three chances each day to make good choices, so if we swallow that bite of a donut before our common sense has a chance to get rid of it we'll have another chance in a few hours to do better.

Making good food choices requires practice just like anything else. We all get comfortable with the way we do things, including eating, even if they aren't the best ways to do them. Making small, simple changes is the best way to get started.

Refined sugar and flour are the biggest culprits in food. They create chaos in our bodies and leave us feeling lethargic and miserable. Instead of stocking up on white bread that is on sale, buy whole wheat or whole grain bread. There are a variety of whole grain breads and pastas that can make a huge difference in your health and waistline.

Replace sugar with Splenda, one of the few sweeteners that have relatively no effect on blood sugar. Most people enjoy the lighter texture of Splenda and find that it tastes almost exactly like sugar. Trade in white potatoes for yams or sweet potatoes. This may be disheartening, but sweet potato fries are a great alternative to a serving of regular fries which delivers and alarming amount of carbohydrates.

If you love to bake, try using whole-wheat pastry flour and Splenda for baking. There is even a recipe for chocolate chip cookies that will sweeten any diet. Use olive oil instead of vegetable oil and Olivia spread, which contains olive oil instead of margarine.

There are an enormous variety of sugar-free and low fat grocery items that can add interest to your diet. Beware that many fat-free items are often higher in sugar so you have to read the labels. Use spices and low sugar sauces to add zest to your meals.

In our hurry up and wait world fast food is tempting and cheap. If you must eat fast food, always discard the breads and buns. They are full of refined sugar. Ask for a fork and plate and extra lettuce.

If you have a bad food day, don't eat a box of Oreos over it. Just try again the next day and the next until you get it right. And you will. Soon, you will discover that you feel a little better and your cravings for refined sugar, white flour and fat are gone.

Learn more about this author, Stacia Elizabeth Whitbeck.
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