Eat Healthier By Tomorrow: Three Tiny Tweaks
By Michael Roizen, M.D., and Mehmet Oz, M.D.

You know how information overload is like Kryptonite to decision-making? Too much stuff in your kitchen (or hiding places -- we YOU docs know you have them), like snacks on the counter or in the glove compartment, platters with enough food for a swim team --messes with your brain's ability to make smart choices. But healthy can be easy if you change your "kitchenscape" in these simple ways:

1. In your kitchen: Ready-to-grab foods on the counter are going to make it into your mouth most often. Hide candy in a locked cupboard (or give it to your co-workers, especially ones you may not have a close relationship with, and do not replace it) and set out a bowl of fresh fruit (keep rejuvenating it). In your fridge, bring produce out of hiding. In the pantry, keep only a couple packages of one type of healthy treat-(whole-grain pretzels or unsalted nuts) on hand -- not the supersize packs from the big-box store.

2. On your table: The greater the variety of food, the more you'll eat, so present just a few options (maybe a main and two veggies) at dinner.

3. On your plate: If you use a 15-inch (yes some people have platters for plates) or 11-inch plate, you'll serve yourself more food -- and eat more -- than if you used a 9-inch one.

Bottom line: A plate, table or kitchen with too much food is like Mount Everest to an explorer: You'll eat it "because it's there." Smarten up your environment, and health and skinny pants will follow.

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The YOU Docs, Mehmet Oz and Mike Roizen, are authors of "YOU: The Owner's Manual." Want more? See "The Dr. Oz Show" on TV starting Sept. 14 (check local listings). To submit questions, go to www.RealAge.com. (c) 2009 Michael Roizen, M.D. and Mehmet Oz, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.