Mastering the nutrition basics comes down to understanding the concept of a food pyramid and the roles of fiber, fat, cholesterol and calories in a healthy diet. A lot of people cannot cook, so they go to the deli, which is incredibly high in sodium. Although fresh foods are so much healthier than processed, frozen, deli or canned foods, there are affordable, healthy options for people. Refer to "Sodium: How to tame your salt habit now" on the Mayo Clinic Website. Overall, consumers/patients need to decrease their carbohydrates and increase their proteins, including snacking (unless contraindicated by their physician).

If a patient wants to go beyond the nutrition basics, they should talk with their doctor or a dietitian for personalized dietary advice that takes into account their health status, lifestyle and food likes and dislikes.

The Mayo Clinic has great resources for health professionals and consumers. Log onto www.mayoclinic.com, choose the "Healthy Lifestyle" tab at top of screen, and then click on "Nutrition and Healthy Eating" link on the left side.

For people on a limited budget, refer to "Healthy Savings: The Art of Frugal Food Shopping" for tips to choose healthy foods; "Menu Planning: Eat Healthier and Spend Less" to save time and money, "Nutrition Facts: An Interactive Guide to Food Labels" to understand nutrition information and make healthy choices; and "Fast Food: Five Ways to Healthier Meals" to learn tips to fit fast food into your healthy diet. Also visit the National Heart Lung and Blood Institue's Interactive Menu Planner to help plan meals easily and quickly.

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