Everyone knows that you’ve had enough of the lettuce diet, right? Oh, and what’s that?

Have you lost major social points because everything your friends eat have carbs in them and you just can’t eat with them anymore? Well, this week I am going to give suggestions for some foods that are healthy, have good flavor and taste good.

* Nuts

I know that Simpson students are not squirrels, but nuts like peanuts, almonds and pecans are very good for your health. Eating a small amount of these daily, or a few times a week, can reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer.

It is true that they contain fat, but it’s a good kind of fat- one that unclogs arteries. Peanut butter, in small amounts, is also good for women, showing that it can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

* Peppers

Spicy foods, like all types of peppers, are proven to boost your metabolism and make you feel more full. The spice, or the sharpness of a pepper, also prevents disease.

Next time you eat out, try home-style Mexican. Foods that have a high vegetable count, like fajitas, are very healthy when eaten in moderation and without extra sauce.

* Tomatoes and Tomato Products

Who doesn’t love a rich tomato sauce over pasta or a hot bowl of minestrone soup? These tomato foods, among many others, are very good for your health.

Experts say that cooked tomatoes are better for you than raw. Both, however, have been shown to help in the prevention of prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women.

* Oranges

Oranges are a catabolic food. This means that your body will burn more calories digesting it than the orange contains itself.

In addition, oranges as well as orange juice, help fight off common viruses like the common cold and also help build immunity. You can try tangerines, clementines or grapefruit for the same effects.

* Tea

In the summer, it’s a refreshing cool beverage. In the winter, it warms you up.

Year-round teas of all kinds are good for you. Non-herbal tea contains antioxidants that help to prevent cancer and heart disease.

Dietitians suggest jazzing up your drink. Add a puree of fruit for a tea slushie, or add slices of mango, lemon, lime and peach to your glass for an added taste treat.

These foods are all very affordable and easy to use. While you may not think that cancer or heart disease concerns you at the ripe old age of 20, think ahead and start being healthy now, so that you won’t regret it when your heart doesn’t work properly at age 40.