Trying to lose a few?

Have an apple before each meal. High-fiber fruit, like apples or pears, is a proven weight-loss booster.

And just like you may have heard from your mother, an apple a day may keep the doctor away - for a number of reasons. Pectin, the fiber in apples, protects your colon due to the increased fatty acid, butyrate.

In addition to antioxidants, apples - Red Delicious - have triterpenoids in the peel. These powerful compounds have shown strong anticancer potential against breast, liver, and colon cancer. It is the peel that contains the triterpenoids and most of the fiber so just wash and eat one daily.

Sliced and sprinkled with cinnamon, apples are a great daily habit.

Creating Health in 2009

What matters is health.

In the past few years I have become more focused on creating health and preventing disease. Being active and able to enjoy good health for a long time is increasingly important to me. Through my readings, I have learned that proper nutrition is the key to creating health. And proper nutrition is not particularly easy, quick or convenient by today's fast paced standards. I think this is why many of us gradually slide into sub-optimal eating habits.

During this next week, I will be refining my plans to embrace health in 2009 that include plenty of healthy foods, water and regular exercise. How long do you want to have good health? What are your plans to accomplish that?