Cheater's Guide to Healthy Living

1. Healthy Eating Slideshow: Fat-Fighting Foods
2. Food Frauds Slideshow Pictures
3. Take the Diet & Nutrition Quiz

If you know the recommendations but can't find time to follow them, this 'Cheater's Guide' is for you

By Sherry Rauh
WebMD Weight Loss Clinic - Feature

Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD

Eat more vegetables, exercise almost every day, and don't forget the sunscreen. If you know the recommendations but can't find time to follow them, this "Cheater's Guide" is for you.

Cheater's Guide to Healthy Living

WebMD compiled the following guidelines and shortcuts based on input from leaders in the fields of nutrition, dentistry, dermatology, mental health and physical fitness.

Read on for more tips and tricks to transform your busy lifestyle into a healthy one.

If you're not eating the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, American Dietetic Association spokesman Dave Grotto, RD, suggests getting the most out of the fruits and veggies you do eat. That means looking for variety and intensity of color -- cherries, berries, and pomegranates are good examples, as are squash, spinach, sweet potatoes, and deep red tomatoes. To squeeze in more vegetables during your day, look for juice blends that contain green vegetables and try pouring tomato sauce over a side dish. Drinkable vegetable soups are a good option for people who need to eat on the go.

"Try to add one positive thing rather than avoiding things," Grotto tells WebMD. "That's less stressful than giving up something." For example, if you're hooked on the drive-through at lunchtime, Grotto suggests having a side salad with your burger. This strategy adds nutrients to your diet without drastically changing your routine.

Oral Hygiene

While some studies have suggested that mouthwash might be a substitute for flossing, the American Dental Association maintains that flossing is the best way to remove food particles and reduce plaque between teeth. But if you can't manage to floss every day, what about committing to two or three times per week? WebMD put that question to American Dental Association spokesman Richard Price, DDS. His reply: "Sure, if you're going to wash your face every third day or shower every fourth day."