MyPlate, MyWins

Every food and beverage choice you make throughout the day makes a difference in your overall health. Start with small changes and discover healthier choices you can enjoy.

Think of each healthy choice as a “win” as you build good habits and find solutions that reflect your healthy eating pattern. Choose foods and beverages from each food group—making sure that your choices are limited in sodium (salt), saturated fat (animal fats), and added sugars.

NOT SURE WHERE TO START? CHOOSE MYPLATE!

MyPlate is a reminder to find your healthy eating pattern and build it throughout your lifetime. It illustrates the five food groups that are the building blocks for a healthy diet using a familiar image – a place setting for a meal. Before you eat, think about what goes on your plate, in your cup, or in your bowl.

MAKE HALF YOUR PLATE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Focus on whole fruits. Fruit can be fresh, frozen, dried, or canned in 100% juice. Enjoy fruit with meals, as snacks, or as a dessert.
Vary your veggies. Try adding fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables to salads, sides, and main dishes. Choose a variety of colorful veggies prepared in healthful ways: steamed, sautéed, roasted, or raw.
CalFresh can help you put fresh, healthy foods - like fruits and vegetables - on your table.

MAKE HALF YOUR GRAINS WHOLE GRAINS

Look for whole grains listed first or second on the ingredients list—try oatmeal, popcorn, whole-grain bread, and brown rice.
Limit grain desserts and snacks, such as cakes, cookies, and pastries.

SWITCH TO LOW FAT OR FAT FREE MILK OR YOGURT

Choose fat free milk, yogurt, and soy beverages (soy milk) to cut back on saturated fat.
Replace sour cream, cream, and regular cheese with low fat yogurt, milk, and cheese.

VARY YOUR PROTEIN ROUTINE

Mix up your protein foods to include seafood, beans and peas, unsalted nuts and seeds, soy products, eggs, and lean meats and poultry.
Try main dishes made with beans and seafood, like tuna salad or bean chili.

SET LIMITS

Drink and eat less sodium, saturated fat (animal fat), and added sugars.
Use the Nutrition Facts label and ingredients list to limit items high in sodium (salt), saturated fat, and added sugars.
Choose vegetable oils instead of butter, and oil-based sauces and dips instead of ones with butter, cream, or cheese.
Drink water instead of sugary drinks.