Many of us have a notion that we need to choose between food that tastes good and food that is good for us. So either we get to enjoy eating, but we're fat and listless, or we're trim and buff, but miserable and deprived. I think that if I have to define my personal mission in one sentence or less, I would put it this way: You don't have to choose between good food and good health. You can have it all! OK, that was two sentences. But I believe in this message so much, I want to yell it from the mountaintops!

If you learn a few good cooking techniques and acquaint yourself with the vibrant world of fresh fruits and vegetables, exquisite, healthy eating will simply become a given in your life over time, I guarantee it. In my next message, I'll talk about some wonderful and easy cooking techniques that can transform your life. In this message, I'll begin with the foods themselves, reiterating my personally chosen list of what I call the "Top 12 Foods."

This list remains quite consistent for me, although it occasionally changes a little, as I read about new studies. Here is my current version. Please note that there are many other wonderful "superfoods" that are in the top 25 or 30. I'll talk about those, too, on this site from time to time. Also please note that this list includes water, which isn't really a food per se, but is so critically important to good health, I'm giving it an honorary position here.

MOLLIE'S TOP 12 FOODS (not in any particular order):