There's no easier moment to kick-start your healthy eating plan than when produce hits perfection . . . which is right about now. Taking advantage of nature's sweetest, most succulent offerings helps you save money and reprogram your body to work the way it's supposed to, so you get younger, and possibly even slimmer, in the process. Here's how to make it happen:

1. Count colors instead of calories. Every category of produce contains hundreds of unique, healthy substances. Do a little produce-market exploration, and you'll find nutritious newcomers that will make any meal more satisfying. Aim to eat at least five different fruits or vegetables each day, in a range of colors. If your cart makes a box of Crayola crayons look pale, you're on the right track.

2. Eat three main meals, plus snacks, so you're never hungry. Slipping into starvation mode makes your body want to stuff fat into long-term storage.

3. Have a fiber-rich breakfast. Toss fruit into your cereal -- and make sure the cereal itself (including oatmeal) contains at least 3 grams of fiber per serving. If you love toast, switch to whole-grain bread, and put some all-natural fruit or nut spread on top.

4. Bring home some fire-extinguishing foods. Every house needs a stash of good-for-you foods that put out three-alarm starvation fires. Consider blueberries, peaches, cherry tomatoes, celery, and other ready-to-eat produce options.

5. Remember that YOU are in control of your diet. Your body is made of hundreds of biochemical instruments, and they all play different notes and chords within your anatomical orchestra. As conductor, you direct how those notes are played. When you choose healthy foods, your orchestra will play like never before.

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