•Having difficulty sleeping? Eat a handful of unsweetened tart cherries—which have the highest amount of melatonin of any food.

• Eating two dried apricots per day can help prevent strokes.

• Skipping fruit, jam, fruit juice or any other sweets for breakfast leads to fewer cravings for sugar throughout the day.

• Eating protein and/or fat with a piece of fruit for a snack or dessert will lessen the impact on blood sugar and keep it more stable. For example, try a banana with almond butter or apple with nuts.

• Lemon makes the urine’s pH more alkaline and less acidic, which many people hope to achieve.

• Instead of heading to the refrigerator for a late snack after dinner, drink a glass of water, because the body is likely not in need of food.

• To ease back aches, try sleeping without a pillow under the head.

Sylvia Haskvitz, a certified trainer with Nonviolent Communication (NVC) and a registered dietitian, combines her passion for NVC and for food, healthy eating and well-being. Connect with her at 520-572-9295 or [email protected].