Tip 1 : Explore the dried fruit section--how about dates, figs, prunes, or dried apricots? They make great snacks!
Tip 2 : Try different types of cheese: Cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or ricotta cheese. Look for low-fat versions.
Tip 3 : Tired of marinara? For another vegetable-based pasta sauce, try spinach pesto. Look for recipes online.
Tip 4 : 1/2 cup of oatmeal counts as 1 oz of whole grains. Use My Plan to see how many ounces of grains you need each day.
Tip 5 : When making home-made desserts--experiment. Replace half of the white flour with whole-grain flour, or look for whole grain recipes online.
Tip 6 : Make your own watermelon ice-it's a nice refreshment on a hot day. Check online for recipes.
Tip 7 : Osteoporosis (thinning of bones) can be reduced by routinely eating low-fat or fat-free dairy food --at all ages and stages of life.
Tip 8 : Make a switch to fat-free milk. If you currently drink whole milk, first switch to reduced fat (2%), then low-fat (1%), and then fat-free (skim).
Tip 9 : Shopping tip: find specials and coupons in your local paper or online for discounts on whole-grain products.
Tip 10 : Select lean choices--like turkey, roast beef, or chicken breast--for sandwiches instead of meats with more fat, like bologna or salami.
