Be Adventurous and Try Something Different

I know many people want to eat more nutritiously, but are unsure where to begin. Start with trying one or more of the tips
 listed below. You may be unfamiliar on how an ingredient look, so I've attached a link for you to view. Just click on the ingredient (which is written in blue) and follow the link to view its picture!  If you're looking for a recipe that involves certain ingredients, click on the red link. Some of these recipes are linked to videos to verbally teach you how to prepare them. For more tips, click on the orange link.

1. Grill, steam or bake food instead of frying
2. Use whole grains in mixed dishes such as barley in vegetable soups or stews, bulgur in casseroles or brown rice in stir fries
3. Microwave a sweet potato for a delicious side dish
4. Plan some meals around a vegetable, such as a stir fry or soup
5. Stock up on frozen vegetables for quick and easy cooking in the microwave
6. Grill vegetable kabobs as part of a BBQ meal. Try tomatoes, red bell peppers and purple onions
7. Have fruit for dessert, such as baked apples, pears or fruit salad
8. Have sweet potato fries as a snack
9. Use spices instead of salt. Start by cutting salt in half.
10. Drink more water
11. Add lettuce, tomatoes and onions to your sandwiches or burger
12. Try two slices of avocado on a sandwich or sprinkle walnuts on a salad
13. Eat two vegetables with dinner
14. Add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, mushrooms or tomatoes to your egg or egg white omelet
15. Increase the fiber in your diet
16. Remove skin from poultry to lower fat content
17. Use nonfat or low-fat sour cream, mayo, sauces, dressings, and other condiments
18. Replace sugar sweetened beverages with water and add a twist of lemon or lime
19. Instead of eating out, bring a healthy, low calorie lunch to work.
20. Portion out your snack on a plate, not from the bag, to stay aware of how much you’re eating.
21. Keep a bowl of cut-up vegetables in the refrigerator for snacks. Carrot and celery sticks are traditional, but consider broccoli, cucumbers, or pepper strips.
22. Don’t sugarcoat it. Choose foods and beverages that do not have sugar and caloric sweeteners as one of the first ingredients.
23. Go lean with protein. Eat lean or low fat meat, chicken, turkey, and fish. Try dry beans and peas as your lean protein.
24. Ask for more vegetable toppings (like mushrooms, peppers, and onions) and less cheese on your pizza.
25. Toss salad with olive oil and flavored vinegar
26. Enjoy pinto or kidney beans on a salad or a hearty split pea or lentil soup for extra protein and fiber.
27. Snack on low-fat or fat-free yogurt. Try it as a dip for fruits and veggies and a topper for baked potatoes.
28. Eat more Green Veggies!
29.  Never be fruitless! Stock up on peaches, pears, and apricots canned in fruit juice or frozen so they’re always on hand. Bag some fruit for your morning commute. Toss in an apple to munch with lunch and some raisins to satisfy you at snack time.
30. Make half your grains whole. Make your sandwich on 100% whole wheat or oatmeal bread or snack on whole grain crackers.