The Internal Revenue Service sent out 6.3 million notices about math errors on tax returns in 2011, and that's a fraction of the goofs (in Social Security numbers, addresses, the spelling of last names!) that were made. But even so, you (and your fellow citizens) say tax forms are easier to follow than the dietary information you're bombarded with daily: 76 percent of you say ever-changing nutritional info makes it hard to know what to believe; and 52 percent say it's easier to do taxes than shop smart. We agree. So we're gonna streamline that info for you, right now.

1. Don't eat foods with added sugars or added syrups; and when possible avoid artificial sweeteners. They lie to your appetite-control system and can lead to weight GAIN.

2. Choose 100 percent whole grains. Your guts, immune system, and heart will thank you.

3. Eat slowly so you can tell when you're full, then stop.

4. Eat often (four to six times a day) to prevent hunger. Hunger = overeating. It's bad for the heart and certain to trigger weight gain.

5. Get nine servings of fruits and veggies a day. Think of it as nine fistfuls of goodness.

6. Opt for lean protein: chicken (no skin), fish, beans and whole grains. Spare your heart and brain the damage too much saturated fat causes.

7. Get a blood test to check your levels of D and B-12. Take supplements IF you're deficient.

Follow these steps, and no matter what, you'll be healthier and wiser!


© 2012 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.