That boring old food pyramid you grew up with has changed a bit over the years, and now it’s being done away with completely.  To create a more practical and visual guide for healthy eating, Michelle Obama and the USDA have joined together to create a “food plate.”  The plate is divided into four sections that demonstrate how much your dinner plate should be filled with each item.  Fruits and veggies make up half of the plate, while grains and proteins each take up a quarter.   There is also a small portion to the side for low-fat dairy.  The USDA has also emphasized some healthy eating rules of thumb: lower your sodium intake, avoid sugary drinks, and eat smaller portions.  

To help you follow these guidelines and create your ideal “food plate,” we have put together some of our best healthy recipes.   Mix them, match them, and enjoy!  You’ll be feeling great and losing weight in no time!

Fruits
If you want to sweeten your fruit, skip the sugar and use a natural sweetener like honey or agave nectar.
Fresh Fruit Salad
Cranberry Granita
Poached Pears
Cranberry Apples
Fresh and Fruity Salad

Vegetables
Don't drown your veggies in butter or mayo; try some olive oil or herbs to add flavor!
Zucchini and Peppers
Fresh Green Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Grilled Yellow Squash
Zesty Green Beans
Artichokes and Peas

Grains
Always choose whole grains whenever possible; they’re high in fiber and full of nutrition!
Herbed Lentils and Rice
Whole Wheat Bread
Olive Oil and Parmesan Kamut Rotini
Quinoa and Wild Rice Pilaf
Multigrain Brown Bread

Protein
Pick low-fat proteins and prepare them in healthy ways, such as grilling or baking them.
Soy-Glazed Salmon Steaks
Honey Mustard Ginger Grilled Chicken
Tofu Stir-Fry
Apple Pork Chops
Low-Fat Grilled Tuna

Low-Fat Dairy
A simple glass of fat-free milk will do, as will yogurt or cottage cheese!
Blueberry Yogurt Shake
Greek Yogurt with Honey and Strawberries
Fat-Free Strawberry-Yogurt Smoothie
1 small bowl low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese with fresh fruit
1 cup of fat-free milk

Looking for more delicious and healthy recipes?  Click here!

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