Set yourself up for success: Think about planning a healthy diet as a number of small, manageable steps rather than one big drastic change. If you approach the changes gradually and with commitment, you will have a healthy diet sooner than you think.

Moderation is key: People often think of healthy eating as an all or nothing proposition, but a key foundation for any healthy diet is moderation. Despite what certain fad diets would have you believe, we all need a balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals to sustain a healthy body.

It's not just what you eat, it's how you eat: Healthy eating is about more than the food on your plate—it is also about how you think about food. Healthy eating habits can be learned and it is important to slow down and think about food as nourishment rather than just something to gulp down in between meetings or on the way to pick up the kids.

Fill up on colorful fruits and vegetables: Try to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day and with every meal—the brighter the better. Colorful, deeply colored fruits and vegetables contain higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants—and different colors provide different benefits, so eat a variety. Aim for a minimum of five portions each day.

Eat more healthy carbs and whole grains: Choose healthy carbohydrates and fiber sources, especially whole grains, for long lasting energy. In addition to being delicious and satisfying, whole grains are rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, which help to protect against coronary heart disease, certain cancers and diabetes. Studies have shown people who eat more whole grains tend to have a healthier heart.

For many of us we need additional help and guidance, and that's where our registered dieticians come in. The dieticians at our ADA accredited, Diabetes & Nutrition Education Center can work with you to develop a customized diet to meet your unique goals.