Start simple and take healthy eating one step at a time.
Focus on whole fruits
Include fruit at breakfast! Top whole-grain cereal with your favorite fruit, add berries to pancakes, or mix dried fruit into hot oatmeal.
Vary your veggies
Cook a variety of colorful veggies. Make extra vegetables and save some for later. Use them for a stew, soup, or a pasta dish.
Vary your protein routine
Next taco night, try adding a new protein, like shrimp, beans, chicken, or beef.
Make half your grains whole grains
Add brown rice to your stir-fry dishes. Combine your favorite veggies and protein foods for a nutritious meal.
Move to low-fat or fat-free milk or yogurt
Enjoy a low-fat yogurt parfait for breakfast. Top with fruit and nuts to get in two more food groups.
Drink and eat less sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars
Cook at home and read the ingredients to compare foods.
Adapted from the USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion’s ChooseMyPlate.gov website
Visit www.choosemyplate.gov for more information.