My father used to tell me that I shouldn't eat so much sugar as it causes diabetes. This was happening 20 years ago. My grandmother also used to tell me that, above all else, sugar and starch makes people fat.

My country also has lots of traditional recipes for food that are rich in meats and fats. We eat more pork than beef or fish combined and some dishes would make anyone that's concerned about high cholesterol scream. On every national holiday, we celebrate by preparing lots of food and eating like pigs. That didn't stop my grandfather from dying at 99 years old, even though he was a total raw bacon junkie (when I say raw, I actually mean it, as in not smoked, not cured).

It seems to me that when it comes to nutrition, you're better off listening to the wisdom of older people.

On sugar ... a friend works for a local tobacco factory and he was describing to me how they add sugar in the mix, because when it comes to dependency, sugar is even better than nicotine.

I'm from Europe and while visiting the U.S. there's one thing I immediately noticed straight from the airport at arrival ... I have never seen so many fat people in one place. In fact this was the first time I ever saw people that are so fat they needed a wheelchair to move around.

I hope I don't offend anyone by this, but seriously consider eating real food, instead of sweetened junk or diet bars or low-fat milk. Also drink water or herbal tea, instead of soda.