Don't we just love quick fixes? So imagine my surprise when I found some quick-fix health advice from health writer, Heather Hurlock. In an online Fitness Magazine article she tells us that we really can experience some significant health improvements quickly, if we'll just do a few smart things, consistently.

Patty and I have written about these various components in other articles - so why the repeat? For the very fact that they DO show up, over and over again - in all sorts of magazines, health websites, health-oriented TV shows, and so on. In other words, there's some potent truth here, it just won't go away, so let's take notes and action!

So this said, here are Hurlock's 8 instant health booster suggestions. As you'll see, none of these are complicated, time-consuming, or expensive. Those of us with blood sugar issues want to pay particular attention to our overall health, and these are some easy ways to do so:

1. Grab some garbanzos. People who regularly consume beans typically weigh six pounds less than those who don't, even though they take in more daily calories. Researchers believe this may be because the legume eaters get more fiber but consume less fat, especially saturated fat, than those who shy away from beans. Throw a handful into salads, soups, or pasta sauce for an extra boost of protein and fiber.

2. Munch a bunch. About one cup of red grapes a day can help suppress the abnormal cell formation that leads to most types of breast cancer, according to a recent study in Cancer Prevention Research. Resveratrol, a natural compound found in grapes, grape juice, and red wine, may prevent estrogen from reacting with DNA molecules, which can lead to cells becoming cancerous, scientists say.

3. Be cuckoo for coconut. An oil high in fatty acids made from coconut oil has been shown to burn fat and promote weight loss, according to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. People who consumed four to five teaspoons of this type of oil (in baked goods and through cooking) every day for 16 weeks lost almost four pounds more than those who used olive oil.

And here's a side note to the coconut oil idea: I would work a teaspoon of it into our dog, Lily's evening meal each day. And she always had the shiniest coat and the healthiest skin - a big deal for a Westie - they're prone to skin rashes.

4. Get crackin'. Adding one egg a day, yolk and all, to your diet can increase good HDL levels without increasing bad LDL cholesterol levels. Low levels of HDL have previously been linked to memory loss.

5. Tap into the magic of mushrooms. White button mushrooms can boost your immune system by improving how your T-cells work, according to recent preliminary studies. T-cells are the white blood cells that help protect your body from harmful intruders.

6. Hit the sauce. People who munch on apples, eat applesauce, or drink apple juice are 27 percent less likely to develop metabolic syndrome - a combination of health problems, such as increased blood pressure and blood-sugar levels, that can lead to heart disease and diabetes, research shows. Other studies suggest that eating apples may reduce your risk of breast cancer.

And as the picture shows, adding a dash or two of cinnamon is one easy way to improve heart health. I add cinnamon to my green drinks, my oatmeal, and all fruit slices.

7. Juice your looks. A diet rich in vitamin C and linoleic acid (a fatty acid found in many vegetable oils) can reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dryness, and thinning skin, according to a study. And kiwi, by the way, is loaded with vitamin C - a pleasant alternative to citrus fruits.

8. Clean up your mouth. Two ounces of yogurt a day (the typical container holds six ounces) may protect you from gum disease, a recent study in the Journal of Periodontology shows. The "good" bacteria in yogurt helps fight germs in your mouth.