Just how many foods do you eat?

I just read a little "Did You Know" blurb in the January 2008 issue of Woman's Day magazine that informed me of this little fact: About 20 percent of people eat a diet composed entirely of just 10 or fewer foods. Hmmm. Let's see if this is true for me.

I generally eat all sorts of fruit -- strawberries, grapes, kiwi, watermelon, and apples, to name just a few. I regularly consume a few vegetables -- peas, broccoli, and corn are my favorites -- and I eat fish, chicken, and ground turkey. I also like multi-grain crackers, a bit of peanut butter, bread every now and then, a favorite organic cereal, and OK, I'll stop there. That's 15 different foods and while there are a few more I could rattle off, I'd say I come in at under 20.

So I don't fit the 10-foods profile, but this little exercise has been enlightening. I would have guessed my diet consisted of a whole lot more than 15-20 food items. Who knew?

What's your list look like? Jot it down just for kicks. Then identify any problem foods, cross them off the list, and substitute healthier items. Start eating off this list and see how nutritious your world can become.