PREPARE YOUR OWN FOOD - Preparing your own food is one of the most important changes that you can make as you move towards better health.  When you cook/prepare your own meals you are taking control of what you are putting into your body.  Although there are better cooks in the world than we may be, you are really not sure what is being added to your food when you dine out.  What fat's and oils, how much salt, sugar, MSG or other chemical and preservatives are being used to enhance the taste of your food. 

It is important to know and understand what foods work best for you.  And what foods build your health or destroy your health.  Instead of one day finding out from your doctor, "well you can eat this anymore."  This is easily determined when you prepare your own food.  When you prepare your own meals, you can read the labels and decide if a certain ingredient is what you want or don't want in your food.  Once you begin to feel better after you have eaten a few of you own meals, you will begin to understand what foods work for you. 

If you are on a special diet this is even more important for you to do.  For cardiac, kidney and diabetic patients learning what foods work to provide health building nutrients is one of the most important things that you can do for yourself.

The temptation to dine out instead of dining in will always be in your mist.  Your first option for your daily meal should be from your pot or refrigerator and not from someone else's.  When you shop at your local food store, pick a few easy to prepare food items for a take to work lunch or to prepare at home, like fruits and veggies with dressing.  Start by brown bagging your lunch one day a week.  When you are tempted to eat that candy bar or bag of chips having a healthier alternative already on hand can help you with making a better choice.

But eating out can fit into your overall health care plan.  Learn to make better choices when you do dine out.  Go for the salad instead of the French fries or bottled water instead of the soft drink.  Healthier food choices are the first step to better health.