Tip 1 : Keep vegetables separate from raw meat, poultry, and seafood while shopping, storing, and preparing.

Tip 2 : Switch up your protein! Trade in your ham sandwich for one made with peanut butter, tuna, or canned salmon for some healthy variety.

Tip 3 : Make each meal colorful by adding red, green, yellow, or orange vegetables to your plate.

Tip 4 : Three ways to thaw seafood, meat or poultry safely: In the refrigerator; in cold water, changed every 30 minutes; or in the microwave.

Tip 5 : Vary your veggies by adding a new vegetable to a different meal each day.

Tip 6 : Dried fruit (raisins, dates, cranberries) and fresh fruit (chopped apples or pears) make a great combination. Add nuts for an extra crunch.

Tip 7 : For a flavorful pork picadillo stew--use lean pork with onions, peppers, tomatoes, raisins and green olives. Check online for recipes.

Tip 8 : Don’t forget to eat your greens! Collards, Swiss chard, mustard greens, kale, and broccoli rabe are tasty side dishes.

Tip 9 : For a fun snack--dip a frozen banana in low-fat yogurt and roll it in crushed cereal.

Tip 10 : Choose soft margarines with zero trans fats made from liquid vegetable oil, rather than stick margarine or butter