Our society today seems almost obsessed with counting calories, subtracting fat, and dividing portions.

In and of itself, this isnt a bad thing. However, in this frenzied attempt to improve health and get fit, many people are missing a viable piece of the health puzzle. &bsp;

Adding certain foods together can dramatically increase their nutritional punch, as well as increase variety and flavor. Here&bsp; are&bsp; a few examples of some quick food pairings that taste great, and provide great benefits to your diet.

1. Scrambled eggs and red peppers. This&bsp; combinations is great for smoother skin, because eggs have high quality protein, plus cup of chopped red peppers has more than 100% of your daily vitamin C need.

2. Whole grain cereal and sunflower seeds for better immunity. In addition to the health benefits of whole grains, cup of sunflower seeds provides more than 100% of your daily requirement of alpha-tocopherol. This is the most active form of vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant.

Vitamin E protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.

3. Salsa and chick peas for lower body weight. Adding chick peas to salsa adds bulk without adding many calories. This helps you feel fuller, faster. Also, chick peas add needed protein. &bsp;

4. Green tea and lemon for lower cancer risk. We all know that green tea is rich in antioxidants, but according to a Purdue University study, adding lemon juice to green tea leads to a fourfold increase in disease fighting catechins.

Catechins are a type of antioxidant found in chocolate, berries, and apples, but in the greatest abundance in the leaves of the green tea plant.

Adding orange, lime, and grapefruit juices to green tea, while still effective, were not as potent as lemon juice.

5. Water and unsweetened cranberry juice for fewer cavities. Unsweetened cranberry juice prevents the build up of Streptococcus mutans. This is the bacteria responsible for most cavities.

6. Salad and canned wild salmon for healthier heart and brain. In addition to the phytonutrients found in garden greens, just three ounces of salmon provides you with half a weeks allowance of omega-3 fats. These fats are linked to a healthy heart and brain.

Be sure to choose wild salmon over farm raised though. This will prevent exposure to dioxin, which is a cancer causing chemical found in the feed of farm raised fish varieties.

Try using some of these combinations. Youll help give your eating regimen the flavorful, nutritional boost it needs.

David Crocker of Landrum has served as strength director of the Spartanburg Y.M.C.A., strength coach, S.C. state champion girls gymnastic team, USC-Spartanburg baseball team, and Converse college equestrian team. He taught four semesters at USC-Union. David is also a regular guest of the Pam Stone Show. David also served as lead trainer to L.H.Fields Modeling Agency.