Life is short: enjoy your food! In fact, I love food! Finding pleasure in eating your food is also part of establishing healthy eating behaviors. Eating foods you enjoy should bring you a sense of pleasure, not guilt. Additionally, you can learn to be more satisfied with less if you learn to savor and appreciate food. Here are 5 foods you should learn to savor:

1. Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and has blood-thinning properties that help lower blood pressure. If you’ve got a chocolate craving, enjoy a 1 oz piece of dark chocolate and pass on the side of guilt.

2. Ice cream: Most everyone loves ice cream. When taking the kids to the parlor: don’t deprive yourself! Treat yourself to a kiddie-sized scoop of your favorite flavor.

3. Pizza: Pizza doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Order a slice with extra veggies and light on the cheese. Choose whole wheat crust if it’s available. Even better: try making one at home! This can be a fun date night or family activity. Enjoy with a side salad.

4. Red wine: Alcohol can pile on the calories, but studies show that people who drink in moderation (less than 1 drink per day for women or 2 for men) tend to have lower BMIs (body mass index) than those who don’t drink at all. Plus red wine added health benefits of antioxidants and cholesterol-lowering properties.

5. Locally grown fruits and vegetables: Okay, so this last one is on the “diet-friendly” list. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t savor them as well! Nothing quite compares to the taste of fresh, in-season produce, grown from your own backyard or somewhere nearby. Learn to enjoy healthy food just as much as the less healthy food, and you’ll never feel deprived.

What is your FAVORITE FOOD?