What is left out of these dietary guidelines is any source of education on timing of food intake. For example, how many of you are late-night eaters? Perhaps you have a bowl of cereal before bed? What do cells do with all extra starch and glucose as you sleep? The answer is they store it in fat cells. If you think of a caveman, or woodland creature, bulking up before hibernation, you get picture.

A better diet doesn't have to be entirely about sacrifice. It's more about better decisions. I'm not saying to stop eating ice cream. Consider some Wheat Germ or Grape Nuts as a toping. Both are excellent sources of dietary fiber and essential nutrients like Vitamin E, folate (folic acid), phosphorous, thiamin, zinc and magnesium. You get to have a tasty snack and sneak some nutrition through teeth. Just don't eat it as a midnight snack!

Find yourself a quiet spot within your home, or even outside, where you will not be disturbed. Sit up, don't lie down, that's when you fall asleep. Make sure you are warm and comfortable. Close your eyes. Concentrate on your breathing, in and out. Remember a place that you find peaceful, it may be a park, a mountain, a beach or someplace you just create in your mind. In your mind, take a walk, take in sounds of birds, wind, waves, whatever there may be. Take in sights, colours, trees, flowers. Enjoy it all. Don't try to force other thoughts out of mind, just allow them to be and pass them over for later and focus on beauty and peace around you. You may sit down for a while, you may meet someone along way. Listen to what they have to say and allow them to slip out of your mind. Enjoy scenery, feeling of peace and safety. Stay as long as you like. When you return, take things slowly. Gradually open your eyes and allow yourself to reawaken to world.

This is a very simple way to start with meditation. Anyone can do this. It is about finding peace within yourself. Once you have enjoyed this experience and find stilling your mind is becoming easier, you may want to go further. Join a class, get some tapes. There is so many different methods to meditation, there is no right or wrong way. Whatever works for you.

I hope you enjoy.