Dried fruits are chock-full of nutrients and vitamins, but when you buy them at the store they're usually full of things you shouldn't eat, such as added sugar and preservatives. You can easily make your own dried fruit with just an oven. Here's how: Spread the fruit out on a parchment-lined baking sheet (peel and/or slice where appropriate), and set the oven to 200˚F. It will take around six to eight hours to fully dehydrate the fruit. When you’re done, start munching!

More on the benefits of fruit...

• Eat This Fruit to Lower Cholesterol
• That Silly Green Fruit
• The Superfoods that Relieve Allergies to Pollen, Dust, Mold…
• Can an Orange a Day Keep Stroke Away?

Here's another reason to indulge in some delicious dark chocolate: It helps you lose weight. Yes, that's right—lose weight. A study found that people who ate chocolate five times a week were up to seven pounds lighter than those who abstained. Researchers think that chocolate's high antioxidant content might help to keep those pounds from piling on.

For more good news about chocolate:

• The Healthiest Chocolates of All
• Harness the Power of Cocoa
• Creative Design With Chocolate
• Health-Boosting Hot Cocoa Recipes

If you're on a diet or just trying to eat more healthfully, allow yourself a splurge once a week—but only for one meal. This advice is from two-time world indoor hurdles champion and Olympian Lolo Jones. She says that if you let yourself cheat every now and then, you'll feel more motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Burritos, anyone?

More ways to have fun while staying healthy:

• Indulge in the Dessert-for-Breakfast Diet…and Lose Weight!
• The Pleasurable Way to Lose Weight
• Why Cheese is Surprisingly Good for Your Heart
• Favorite Italian Dishes Under 350 Calories

Want to add zing to your summer drinks? Rather than dilute your iced tea or lemonade with melted ice, make your ice cubes out of tea or lemonade. You could even use them to add a touch of flavor to water. Refreshing!

For more ways to keep your summer cool:

• Heart-Healthy Ice Pops and Other Treats
• Cool Herbal Drinks that Ease Summertime Woes
• Cooling Summer Recipes from Hot Key West