Don't wait until your doctor tells you you're unhealthy before making changes in your lifestyle. You can start with small shifts in the food you eat now, and get big health payoffs in the future! If you're having trouble thinking of ideas, check out the slide show below.


For more on healthy eating, check these out on FN:

• Smart Swaps: 10 Healthy Alternatives to Less Healthy Food
• Pound Patrol: 7 Bad Eating Habits You Should Drop to Control Your Weight
• Healthy Options: 10 Substitutes for High-Carb Foods
• Tipid Tips: How to Eat Healthy on a Budget
• Tipid Tips: 5 Low-Cost Healthy Foods
• Watch What You Eat: 5 Food Culprits You Should Be Wary Of
• 15 Healthy Foods That Help Reduce Stress
• Hold the Salt: Yummy Low-Salt Recipes for the Health-Conscious
• 22 Yummy Heart-Healthy Recipes
• 20 Meat-Free Recipes Perfect For Lent

(First published as "10 Easy Ways to Give Your Diet a Makeover" in Marie Claire Magazine in July 2007; adapted for use on Female Network)