It's important to be both educated and smart about eating healthy and smart.

Being food smart isn't about learning to calculate the number of grams or fat in a particular food, or is it about studying nutritional labels and counting those pesky calories.

Healthy eating is all about balancing and moderating your eating. It seems that every one agrees that at least three healthy meals and at least two snacks are best each day.

A recent study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, that looked at the relationship of eating patterns to weight, those who consumed for or more meals and snacks a day were 45% less likely to be obese.

It also found that skipping breakfast was definitively associated with a higher risk of obesity.

I was always hit and miss with eating breakfast. When I worked a 9-5 I'd wake up, head in to work and binge out during the lunch hour. Or I'd pick up a bag of chips and snack at my desk up until lunch and then eat a heavy lunch . . . not good times.

There maybe times when we may over eat or not eat enough.

I'm gulity at the latter at times--I have a super challenge where I eat too little. At times my daily calorie intact averages around 1300 calories.

On a good day I can get up to 1700 calories. I can actually function on 1700 calories even with my daily P90X workouts--they are killer at times.

Feeding our body and our grey and white matter regularly with quality foods keep both our mind and body strong and alert.

Here are 5 foods that are excellent at enhancing brain chemistry, memory, and mood . . .

1. Oily Fish - Increased Omega-3 intake has been linked to alleviation of a spectrum of mental health concerns, from anxiety and irritability to depression and even schizophrenia.

2. Nuts - Almonds and Walnuts are great. Check out my previous post on the benefits of eating healthy nuts.

3. Strawberries and Blueberries - Contain antioxidants that help boost cognition, coordination and memory.

4. Veggies - Full of fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.

5. Greek Yogurt - Improves mental alertness because of tyrosine.

--- Source Mark Sisson

Healthy eating is a way of life, something that we can do to enhance our body and lifestyle.

My personal feeling is if you want to devour a tasty piece of dark chocolate...go forward. Moderation is key. If you want that tasty bag of Maui Sweet Onion Potato chips remember that the one serving doesn't equal the entire bag. There was a time when I used to think one serving WAS the entire bag. =)

I've recently started a 30 Day Raw Food Challenge inspired by Simply Raw. If you're interested in your own challenge check'em out.