Much of life's pleasures include food and we would be remiss not to recognize that.  Often it is not the food that is chosen that is the problem, but the preparation method or sauces that accompany it.

Cooking tips and and preparation choices:

• Bake, broil, grill or microwave everything possible.
• Never, ever eat fried food.  Imagine the lard that flows through your veins after a fried dinner.  Most, if not all of the food that is fried can also be prepared using a more healthy preparation method.
• Limit salt intake.  Sodium can raise blood pressure and cause one to retain water.
• Fill your plate with a large portion of vegetables, and smaller portions of starch and protein.
• Learn to like vegetables and eat lots of them. Especially as you age, you will find that you feel better when you consume mostly vegetables. 
• Avoid processed foods.  Stick to the basic food groups - with foods that are healthy and natural.
• Fruits are another healthy addition to the diet, though they can be higher in calories due to the natural sugar in them.  Enjoy them in moderation.