6. Fix Healthy SnacksHealthy snacks can sustain your energy levelsbetween meals, especially when they include acombination of foods. Choose from two ormore of the MyPlate food groups: grains,fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein. Try rawveggies with low-fat cottage cheese, or atablespoon of peanut butter with an apple orbanana.

7. Consult an RDNWhether you want to lose weight, lower yourhealth-risks or manage a chronic disease,consult the experts! Registered dietitiannutritionists can help you by providing sound,easy-to-follow personalized nutrition advice.

8. Follow Food Safety GuidelinesReduce your chances of getting sick withproper food safety. This includes: regular handwashing, separating raw foods from ready-to-eat foods, cooking foods to the appropriatetemperature, and refrigerating food promptly.Learn more about home food safety atwww.homefoodsafetyorg.

9. Drink More WaterQuench your thirst with water instead ofdrinks with added sugars. Stay hydrated anddrink plenty of water, especially if you areactive, are an older adult or live or work in hotconditions.

Eat RightFood, Nutrition and Health Tips from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

19 Health Tips for 2019

1. Eat BreakfastStart your morning with a healthy breakfastthat includes lean protein, whole grains, fruitsand vegetables. Try making a breakfast burritowith scrambled eggs, low-fat cheese, salsa anda whole wheat tortilla or a parfait with low-fatplain yogurt, fruit and whole grain cereal.

2. Make Half Your Plate Fruits andVegetablesFruits and veggies add color, flavor andtexture plus vitamins, minerals and fiber toyour plate. Make 2 cups of fruit and 2 ½ cupsof vegetables your daily goal. Experiment withdifferent types, including fresh, frozen andcanned.

3. Watch Portion SizesGet out the measuring cups and see how closeyour portions are to the recommendedserving size. Use half your plate for fruits andvegetables and the other half for grains andlean protein foods. To complete the meal, adda serving of fat-free or low-fat milk or yogurt.

4. Be ActiveRegular physical activity has many healthbenefits. Start by doing what exercise you can.Children and teens should get 60 or moreminutes of physical activity per day, andadults at least two hours and 30 minutes perweek. You don't have to hit the gym—take awalk after dinner or play a game of catch orbasketball.

5. Get to Know Food LabelsReading the Nutrition Facts panel can helpyou shop and eat or drink smarter.

10. Get CookingPreparing foods at home can be healthy, rewarding and cost-effective. Master some kitchen basics, like dicing onions or cooking dried beans. The collection of “Planning and Prep” videos at www.eatright.org/videos will get you started.

11. Dine Out without Ditching Goals Youcan eat out and stick to your healthy eatingplan! The key is to plan ahead, ask questionsand choose foods carefully. Comparenutrition information, if available, and lookfor healthier options that are grilled, baked,broiled or steamed.

12. Enact Family Meal TimePlan to eat as a family at least a few timeseach week. Set a regular mealtime. Turn offthe TV, phones and other electronic devicesto encourage mealtime talk. Get kidsinvolved in meal planning and cooking anduse this time to teach them about goodnutrition.

13. Banish Brown Bag Boredom Whetherit’s for work or school, prevent brown bagboredom with easy-to-make, healthy lunchideas. Try a whole-wheat pita pocket withveggies and hummus or a low sodiumvegetable soup with whole grain crackers ora salad of mixed greens with low-fat dressingand a hard boiled egg.

14. Reduce Added SugarsFoods and drinks with added sugars cancontribute empty calories and little or nonutrition. Review ingredients on the foodlabel to help identify sources of added sugar.Visit www.ChooseMyPlate.gov for moreinformation.

15. Eat Seafood Twice a WeekSeafood—fish and shellfish—contains arange of nutrients including healthyomega-3 fats. Salmon, trout, oysters andsardines are higher in omega-3s and lower inmercury.

16. Explore New Foods and FlavorsAdd more nutrition and eating pleasure byexpanding your range of food choices. Whenshopping, make a point of selecting a fruit,vegetable or whole grain that’s new to you oryour family.

17. Experiment with Plant-Based MealsExpand variety in your menus with budget-friendly meatless meals. Many recipes that use meat and poultry can be made without. Eating a variety of plant foods can help. Vegetables, beans, and lentils are all great substitutes. Try including one meatless meal per week to start.

18. Make an Effort to Reduce Food WasteCheck out what foods you have on hand before stocking up at the grocery store. Plan meals based on leftovers and only buy what you will use or freeze within a couple of days. Managing these food resources at home can help save nutrients and money.

19. Slow Down at MealtimeInstead of eating on the run, try sitting downand focusing on the food you're about to eat.Dedicating time to enjoy the taste and texturesof foods can have a positive effect on yourfood intake._______________________________________

This tip sheet is provided by:

For a referral to a registered dietitian nutritionist and for additional food and nutrition information, visit www.eatright.org.

©2019 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Reproduction of this tip sheet is permitted for educational purposes. Reproduction for sales purposes is not authorized.

Authored by Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics staff registered dietitian nutritionists.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.