Steps to a Healthier You

FOCUS ON FRUIT
Eat a variety of fruits—fresh, frozen, canned, or dried—rather than fruit juices for most of your fruit choices.

VARY YOUR VEGGIES                 
Eat more dark green and orange vegetables, beans, and peas.

GET YOUR CALCIUM-RICH FOODS
Drink 3 cups of low-fat or fat free milk–or an equivalent amount of low-fat yogurt or low-fat cheese
(1½ ounces of cheese equals 1 cup of milk) —everyday.

MAKE HALF YOUR GRAINS WHOLE
Eat at least 3 ounces (½ cup oatmeal + 1 slice of whole wheat bread + ½ cup brown rice) of whole-grain cereals, breads, crackers, pasta, or brown rice every day.

GO LEAN WITH PROTEIN
Choose lean meats and poultry (remove skin). Bake, broil or grill it. Eat more fish, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds.

KNOW THE LIMITS ON FATS, SALT, AND SUGARS
Read Nutrition Facts labels. Look for foods low in saturated fats and trans fats. Choose and prepare foods and beverages with little salt (sodium) and/or added sugars.

FIND YOUR BALANCE BETWEEN FOOD AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Regular physical activity is important for your health. It can also help control body weight. Be active for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.

To learn more about healthy eating and lifestyles go to http://wwwmypyramid.gov or contact your local Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program.

Reprinted with permission from University of Illinois Extension – Food Stamp Nutrition Education.