Eating healthy starts in the grocery store. By leaving sodium, fat, and sugar-filled junk on store shelves, and bringing home fruits, vegetables, and foods that are full of fiber. White and brown breads, enriched white breads are highly refined and lack the nutrients of whole-grain breads. The bran and germ have been removed from white bread for longer shelf life, and with that, also gone are the fiber, iron, and B vitamins you need. And just because bread is brown or is labeled wheat doesn’t make it healthy. Oils and butter, avoid butter and lard and margarines that contain trans-fats. They’ve all been linked to increased risk of obesity and heart disease.

Crackers, cookies and cakes these are filled with calories and added sugar and fat that will pack on the pounds. Plus, they don’t have the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your body needs to stay healthy. If you must have a snack, choose versions that are labeled low-fat, whole-grain, or reduced sodium. JUICE Even if it’s labeled 100 percent juice, it’s best to avoid it altogether. Sure, there are vitamins and minerals, but they’re full of calories and sugar, and devoid of fiber that will fill you up and keep you satisfied. Soft drinks, the regular versions are packed with sugar and a meal’s worth of calories. And while the diet versions are free of calories, ingredients like “caramel color” and phosphoric acid aren’t doing anything to help your weight-loss and healthy-eating goals.