First, Carol got raisins, walnuts, sunflower seeds, honey, whole wheat flour, herb teas, orange juice and cranberry juice. From meat section, she picked up chicken, haddock, flounder, and shrimp. From dairy case, she got skim milk, cottage cheese, yogurt. Her last stop was in produce section; potatoes, tomatoes, carrots, beets, lettuce, squash, onions, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, peaches, bananas, grapes, grapefruit, apples, oranges, peaches.

In dairy case, Fanny grabbed butter, whipped cream, chocolate milk, whole milk. Then she picked up ham, hot dogs, sausage, bologna, hamburger. In frozen food section, she got tv dinners, pot pies, coffee cakes, french fries, ice cream. Then it was wonder bread, cheese puffs, donuts, cookies. Her cereals included Fruit loops & Sugar Smacks. After that she grabbed spaghetti, instant potatomix, gravy mix, Jell-O, kool aid, soda pop, ding dongs, crackers, miracle whip, jelly fritos. After all that, she had to get Rolaids, Bayer, Comtrex, contact, laxatives, diet pills.

As they came to check out counter, manager noticed what was in their carts and their behavior. Henry was in a hurry and searching for his cigarettes. Carol thanked him again. Fanny was slowly bringing up rear with her kids pulling on her.

Cocking his head, manager was sure their food choices affected their appearance and behavior. Which one are you and which would one would you like to be like?

Three different kinds of foods affect you differently. Stimulants (meats & spices) are addictive and can make you nervous, high strung, and hyper. Imitation, junk, overripe, rotten foods can leave you feeling lazy, lethargic, and susceptible to illnesses. Real food from nature are best, leaving you healthy and relaxed.

The old "an apple a day keeps doctor away" saying may not be 100% true, but truth is that fruit provides your body with need vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars.

5. Start walking.

For short, nearby trips in neighborhood, leave car at home and take a walk. Do this a few times a week and results will amaze you.

6. Turn off t.v.

Read a book, get outside and play with dogs, have a conversation with your spouse. Look for things to do other than watch telly, especially around news time.

7. Laugh.

Every day. A real, good, hearty, belly laugh. Look for funny things that life has to offer. Share a joke with a friend. Share a lot of jokes. Laughter is good for heart and soul, for your health and spirit.

None of these things requires you to spend a lot of money. None of them take much time or energy. But each one can, over time, dramatically improve your physical and mental health. Pick one or two to focus on this week and be healthy!