A new buzzword, superfoods, has emerged lately and it has gotten many people thinking they'll be healthier if they eat one or two particular foods. We're starting to use foods to treat or prevent cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. But many of us still don't put much thought or time into planning meals. I want to challenge you to change this.

Foods cited as superfoods include blueberries, salmon, walnuts, soy, yogurt, spinach, tomatoes, garlic, hot peppers, and almonds. You can probably name lots more. (Note, however, what is not on the list: potato chips, crackers, cookies, candy, hot dogs, and so on.)

Many of these superfoods are indeed linked to the prevention of diseases. But let's keep in mind that a few nutritious foods will not, for instance, prevent diabetes; it's our entire eating plan that is key.

So go ahead, include the superfoods in your healthy eating plan, but also follow some other simple strategies. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that you also:

• eat a variety of fruits — whether fresh, frozen, canned, or dried — and limit fruit juices
• eat more and different kinds of vegetables (and the more colors the better)
• choose more calcium-rich foods like low-fat cheeses, milk, and yogurt
• make sure that at least half of your grains are whole grains
• choose lean sources of protein such as fish, chicken, low-fat beef, soy, and legumes.
• cook the low-fat way by grilling, baking, and broiling
• limit fat, salt, and sugars by reading food labels

To protect your health in the coming year, think about your day-to-day food choices and aim for a super diet, not just superfoods.