I don’t know about you, but I have to confess that I like good food. However, as I’m getting older my craving for a delicious meal is colliding with an increasing desire for a longer, healthier life.

Living forever may be too much to ask for, but I would certainly like to live a long time with the best possible quality of life. That among other things means eating healthier; And that, I’m afraid means making some changes to my eating habits.

We all know that there is food everywhere and it may be a bit of a challenge to avoid the traps – unless you have a strategy…

Actually it’s more of a plan than a strategy and here are a few steps that I use:

* “Portion control, portion control, portion control” – I repeat this to myself whenever I sit down to eat.

* If I serve myself I take half of what I use to take, so that I can go back for seconds – I just never do.

* If I’m a guest, I gently let the host know that I prefer smaller portions. I even have a healthy snack before leaving to curb my appetite (no I don’t tell the host).

* At dinner I focus on eating more of the healthier dishes, like salads, clear soups, etc. Skipping dessert is a good thing, but if there is cheese and grapes, have the grapes.

* At a dinner party I concentrate on the conversation to take my mind away from the food. Not only is I good for your health, but it also makes you a much more interesting guest and you may see an increase in the number of invitations you get.

* Whenever I go shopping, and I love shopping, I avoid stands and stores that give out food samples.

* If I go out for dinner, or lunch for that matter, I select a restaurant rather than a fast food place, as a restaurant often has a healthier menu selection.

Well, I could go on and on, but you get the gist. Your health is in your hands, you are control. Many people say that they should loose a few pounds, but in most cases it is likely more that just a few – much more.

Clearly eating habits are not the only things affecting someone’s health. We all know how important exercising is, but that’s a subject for another time.