Let's face it: We have choices to make each day.

We can choose between a Dunkin' Donuts Double Chocolate Cake donut (310 calories/150 calories from fat according to DD), and a Kashi Go Lean Chocolate Caramel Crunch bar (180 calories/25 calories from fat); Asian chicken over noodles (220 calories/27% from fat according to Cooking Light magazine), and Burger King's Whopper Jr. (400 calories/24 grams of fat), one of the "better" choices on BK's menu considering that a Double Whopper with cheese is 1,010 calories/67 grams of fat). We can choose between a 12-ounce can of regular Coke (155 calories), or a 8-ounce glass of water (0 calories). I was surprised to discover that a 20-ounce bottle of defense-flavored Vitamin Water has 150 calories.

Weighing the alternatives each day, I know there are always better choices I can make depending on my state of mind. I ask myself: "Do I want to make a choice that represents empty calories and won't really fill or sate me? Will what I'm about to eat give me energy to get me through the day or even the next three hours? Is this the best choice I can make for now?"

Suddenly, all those bagels in the bin at Hot & Crusty, despite their lovely fresh-from-the-oven aroma, don't look as good. A better, more filling carb might be the whole-wheat fusilli I made recently, or a sweet potato. How about a chicken breast poached with a bit of balsamic vinegar as a tasty source of protein, I ask myself.

I continue to struggle with choices and I give in to cravings every now and then. Yesterday, I was in the grocery store and floated past the freezer with ice creams. I paused and stared longingly at the colorful pints of Ben & Jerry's, Haagen-Dazs, Ciao Bella, Turkey Hill, Edy's and more. I love my ice cream but I know if I bring it into the house, I'll overdo it. So when I need a fix, I buy the smallest serving of Tasti D lite, the frozen dessert, a sorbet, or frozen yogurt of some kind.

But sometimes, it feels like I really have to have a giant peanut butter cookie. And sometimes, I eat the whole thing. But truth be told, it's not so often any more.