Choose a diet with plenty of grain products, vegetables, and fruits which provide needed vitamins, minerals, fiber, and complex carbohydrates, and can help you lower your intake of fat.

Is your food pyramid top heavy? Tame that pyramid by planning some meals that center around vegetables and grains rather than proteins. Thinking of the meat as the main course and the "other stuff" as sides can cause a tendency to forget the importance of these foods.

SUGGESTIONS
Try recipes with alternate protein sources, such as beans or nuts, which will focus more heavily on the grains and vegetables.
Think one-dish meals like casseroles, salads with meat and soups.
Veggie pizza on whole wheat crust can keep that pyramid in line.
A salad doesn't have to be lettuce. Try rice and vegetables.
Plan your meals for a few days, then shop for the items you need. You are more likely to use the vegetables and grains that way.
Snack on fresh fruit and vegetables.

Next

You May Also Be Interested In: Explore ways exercise in pregnancy can help you stay healthy. Finding out how to tell if labor has started. The Coach's Notebook helps you master comfort measures for labor. The Natural Childbirth Directory can help you find more information about pregnancy and locate childbirth professionals. Virtual Labor Game lets you practice your new labor skills.

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Making Healthy Food Choices Making Healthy Food Choices Eating a Variety of Foods Balance food with Physical Activity Eat adequate amounts of plant products Eat lower fat Eat moderate amounts of sugar Eat moderate amounts of salt

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