You've possibly heard the saying that good health begins in the kitchen. Actually it starts at the market. What you load into your cart impacts on how you feel, function and look. Here are some nutrition-rich favourites.

Choose wholegrain. Wholegrains bread, cereals and pasta contain lots of vitamins, minerals and fibre, which help to maintain a healthy digestive tract and may reduce the risk of some cancers. Check labels for 100 per cent wholegrain instead of just wholegrain.

Scan ingredients. Choose foods with ingredients that you recognise and whose names you can pronounce versus those that read more like a list of chemicals.

Go organic. Organic foods help you avoid pesticides, hormones and genetic modification. Yes, they can be costly, but they are better for your health.

Make it fun. Whether it's roadside farm stands or visits to the market, it's always a great opportunity for a family excursion on weekends. Carry the kids along so they can learn how to haggle and bargain.

Eat according to season. Try to purchase locally grown and seasonal produce. It's generally at a great value and delicious.

Straight talk. They let you know straight up that they like you, while the good guys tend to be more reserved.

Accessibility. They are often loitering at road corners, while the good guys are locked away in an office where you can't reach them.

Mystery. There is an intriguing mystery that surrounds a bad guy. Whether it's the irregular calling pattern or his unpredictable behaviour, something keeps women wanting more.

Tough guy. Nice guys may be good at romance but when you're attacked by muggers, you need muscle and that Paul Campbell 'screw-face' look to ward off criminals.

Stash your cash. With thoughts of a recession on everyone's mind, you can't count on a fatter pay cheque next year. Make it easier by putting something aside. Try to save as much as you can weekly.

Spend wisely. Buy smarter and change your attitude about how and where you spend your money. Keep a spending journal and jot down everything you purchase. Buying a $200 drink four times a week, for example, adds up to $38,000 a year. That's a whole lot of money that could have been invested.

Entertain on the cheap. Instead of going out, have a get-together with friends at home. You will certainly save money on gas and hefty tags that come with restaurants and barhopping.

Stop fussing about every little thing. Learn how to compromise. There is no such thing as a Mr or Mrs Right.

Cut the new man or woman some slack. Avoid sweeping generalisations such as 'all men are dogs'.

Abreva. Don't waste one hot minute on a cold sore. It looks nasty and can send the wrong message to someone. The faster you can get rid of it, the better things are for you, at least where your appearance is concerned.