Choose Smarter

by Valerie Nahmad — August 7, 2007

Turkey or tuna? Wheat or white? A study in the Journal of Environment and Behavior reports we make more than 200 food choices each day. Self Magazine offers up five ways to make your decisions easier, smarter, and more nutritious:

• Bail on brand loyalty--People who buy according to brand are 13 percent less likely to regularly check nutritional info. Products change and contemporaries are introduced--label hopping can save you calories, fat, sugars, and more.
• Think bigger--Take your shopping list up a level by jotting down categories instead of specific products. Reading fruit instead of apples might inspire you to scan options and make healthier choices.
• Simplify your dishes--Switching flavors mid-meal signals your brain to eat more of the "new" food, according to a study in Physiology & Behavior.
• Eat the rainbow--The more colors in your meal, the better--think red (tomatoes), yellow (corn), blue (blueberries), purple (eggplant), green (broccoli), and more.
• Get off the couch--Ditch the couch and TV for the kitchen table and you'll be more focused on your food and less likely to overeat.