As a Registered Dietitian, I've always believed in the importance of eating a healthy diet. But lately I've come to realize that a proper mental diet is every bit as important as the food you eat.

Today's society barrages us with a constant stream of negative, violent and crude images, leading many folks to indulge in an unhealthy mental diet. Negative news stories about the latest murder or scandal, violent movies, trashy talk shows - these are mental junk food. And make no bones about it - you cannot possibly keep a happy, positive attitude if you feed your mind an unending diet of mental garbage.

It's not easy to avoid being sucked in to the vortex of negative thinking that is so prevalent in our society and the mass media. But with determination and will power, you can do it. Your reward? More peace and happiness than you thought possible!

Two steps to improve your mental diet:

• Avoid mental junk food, such as violent images and incessant worrying
• Add plenty of wholesome mental food, such as inspirational reading and a positive attitude.

Improve your mental diet by implementing these tips in your daily routine:

DO's

• Meditate or sit quietly for at least 15 minutes a day
• Fill your mind with positive thoughts and affirmations
• Read something uplifting every day
• Practice positive self-talk
• Look for the good in difficult situations

DON'Ts

• Don't watch negative news stories or violent TV shows, especially right before bedtime
• Don't re-live painful experiences over and over again
• Don't nurture old grudges and resentments
• Don't label circumstances as good or bad
• Don't dwell on your troubles or worries

Analyze your mental diet - is it contributing to your peace and happiness? If not, then it's time for some changes.

As you work to improve your mental diet, make changes gradually and go easy on yourself if you slip back into old habit patterns. Keep at it, and before long you'll see positive results.

Come on, go for it - you deserve the best life has to offer!