For the most part, I eat healthy. I do what I can to avoid sugars. I make sure that I drink enough water. I am more likely to select fresh fruits and vegetables from a menu than to eat processed foods. However, there are always days when the diet has to go down the drain in the name of enjoying some good old comfort food. And when that's the case, it's fried foods that warm my heart every single time.

Here are some of my favorite fried foods:

Mozzarella Sticks. If I'm going to go out and get fried food from a restaurant, this is the first thing that's on my list. There really aren't too many places that don't make good mozzarella sticks. And cheese of any kind is good; frying it just makes it better.

Onion rings and French Fries. Following as a close second on the "fried foods at restaurants" list are these common side dishes. If I'm eating out on a normal day, I skip these and get fresh fruit or some other alternative. But if I'm eating out on a day when fried feels necessary, I get the ranch dressing or barbecue and get these to go with it.

Okra. I don't even know where I developed a taste for okra considering that's it's not readily available in any of the places where I have lived. But it doesn't matter where it came from, I love this food. And I don't know any way that it's better than deep fried.

Chicken. Good old-fashion fried chicken. Combine it with corn on the cob and mashed potatoes and I've got a meal that satisfies all of my longings. Of course, there are also chicken tenders and other variations on fried chicken that are also tasty.

Fish. Fried flounder is a good one. Fried filets make great sandwiches. And the whole experience of going to a Fish Fry is something that I don't think anyone should miss out on as something to be done at least once in life.

Chiles Rellenos. These are on the menus at some of my favorite restaurants back home. I don't get them often but I've never gotten them and not loved them.

Of course, these are all fairly common fried foods. Even when I eat unhealthy, I don't tend to go too far overboard. But on occasion, I have tasted some other fried foods that are a little worse for your body - and a little tastier for your tongue. Here are a few of those to add to the top fried foods list:

Twinkies. It's the famous fair food. It's totally disgusting in that wonderful kind of way. I wouldn't recommend eating these as a regular snack, fried or not, but it's something that should be tasted at least once in life.

Apple fritters. In my opinion, this is the tastiest of the fried desserts. It's like apple pie, but better. It needs whipped cream to really be perfected.

Jelly doughnuts. Yes, you can deep fry jelly doughnuts. Yes, you will probably love them.

Deep Fried Pizza. Didn't think that you could make a good thing better? Think again!

We all need to eat bad foods sometimes. When enjoyed in moderation, they can be terrifically satisfying and yet not too damaging to your overall health. At least, that's what I tell myself on those days!!