When I was growing up, I wasn't allowed to drink soda. Even back then, my dad was pretty smart. He said the stuff would make me fat and rot my teeth. Seems research studies are proving him right about the unhealthiness of soda.

When I was old enough to move out of the house, I started drinking soda like mad. My dad was right; I did indeed gain some unneeded weight and I had to go to the dentist because I had cavities.

If you are trying to kick the soda habit, try jazzing up water with natural flavorings. You can make your water super cold with ice chips, then add in some lemon or lime juice, along with a couple slices of the fruit. Keeping water refrigerated at all times will get you reaching for the jug instead of the can.

It is important for all of us to watch what we eat -- for our health and our waistlines. Studies have shown that an intake of less calories helps us live longer and the less that goes in, the less that stays on.

The big snack companies are capitalizing on this and packaging their snacks in 100 calorie bags. Convenient? Yes. Healthy? Debatable. A pretty cool idea? Sure. But if you do it yourself, you'll do it better than the big companies, for a slew of reasons.

1. You can make perishable snacks, thereby using fresh foods that are healthier.
2. By packing your snacks in reusable containers, you'll be saving waste and helping the environment.
3. Choosing your favorite snacks and counting them out into 100 calorie portions is an eye-opener: it really helps us think about what a portion should look like and how much we as a society really do overeat.

What do you mean you don't want to take out the time to count out the calories of your favorite snacks? Join me after the break as I do that part for you!

My husband eats fast food when he's sick. He claims that it's "comfort food" and actually helps him feel better. When I hear that, I immediately lose any illness sympathies I had for him and insist that if he's well enough to eat junk, then he's well enough to take out the garbage. Still, he loves it. I'm not as drawn to the taste, but still find myself in drive-thrus and food courts with alarming regularity. My excuse: It's convenient.

Whatever your excuse, fast food is something we're all indulging in. The secret is knowing how to make the right choices and avoid the extra pounds that so often follow these quick and easy meals out.