More Reasons to Rethink Your Order

Want to be around for the next 10 or 50 years? Or even long enough to find out what happens in the final episode of Lost? Then hold the cheese fries. And the voodoo doughnut burger (yes, that's an actual burger served on a donut in a Portland, Oregon, doughnut shop. NO, we're not giving you the address!). And teach your kids to lay off the doughnuts served in public school breakfasts (doesn't matter that they're fortified!).

Obesity plays a big role in dying early. In a new study of more than 2 million people, researchers did a complicated analysis of parents and kids (their BMIs are linked -- if one is high, the other is likely to be, too. And in certain cases, a kid's BMI might be a better indicator for the effect of obesity on the parent than the parent's own weight). After all the scientific maneuvering, the point was made: Being overweight is -- and always has been -- a whopper of a threat to your health, especially when it comes to your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Fortunately, it doesn't take a team of scientists to put the right stuff on your plate -- you can do that yourself. That means vegetables (put these front and center), fruit, nuts, whole grains, fish or skinless poultry, and only healthy fats. And what it really means is some delicious and satisfying dinners. Share them with your kids and they'll be around to take care of you, and you'll be around to mentor your grandkids.