Make Eating Healthy a Habit!

Healthy eating habits offer life-long benefits. It's never too late to start eating more healthy foods. Try these tips to help you and your family enjoy the many benefits of eating healthy.

* Always drink a glass of water before a meal.
* Share a dessert, or choose fruit instead.
* Serve food portions no larger than your fist.
* Use smaller plates.
* Avoid eating late at night.
* Skip the buffet.
* Grill, steam, or bake instead of frying.
* Share an entree with a family member or friend.
* Always eat before grocery shopping.
* Choose a checkout line without a candy display.
* Make a grocery list before you shop and try to stick to it!
* Serve water or low-fat milk at meals instead of soda or sugary drinks.
* Flavor foods with herbs, spices, and low-fat seasonings.
* Keep a regular eating schedule. Eat together as a family most days of the week.
* Eat before you get too hungry.
* Ensure your family eats breakfast everyday.
* Stop eating when you are full.
* Provide plenty of fruits and vegetables for snacks.
* Provide sliced apples or bananas for your family to top their favorite cereal.
* Serve several whole grain foods daily.
* If entrees are large, choose an appetizer or side dish.
* Ask for salad dressing "on the side."
* Don't serve seconds.
* Try a green salad instead of fries.
* Eat sweet foods in small amounts. Don't keep sweet foods at home so they're not as readily available.
* Cut back on added fats or oils in cooking or spreads.
* Cut high-calorie foods like cheese and chocolate into small pieces and only eat a few pieces. Share among family members for a small treat.
* Use fat-free or low-fat sour cream, mayo, sauces, dressings and condiments.
* Replace sugar-sweetened drinks in your home with water; add a twist of lemon or lime.
* Every time you eat a meal, sit down and chew slowly. Remind everyone to enjoy every bite.
* Pay attention to flavors and textures when you eat.
* Try serving a new fruit or vegetable (ever had jicama, fava beans, plantain, bok choy, star fruit, or papaya?).
* Instead of eating out, bring a healthy, low-calorie lunch to work and pack a healthy "brown bag" for your children.
* Ask your sweetie to bring you fruit or flowers instead of chocolate.

Eating healthy will help you feel better and look better. If you want to lose some weight this year, the quickest way to lose weight is with healthy eating and plenty of exercise.