Healthy menus and shopping strategies
Learning Center
Fast food tip: Go green
Can fast food be part of a healthy-eating plan? Sure, if you order wisely and choose fast food only occasionally. Choose an entree salad with grilled chicken, shrimp or garden vegetables Choose a dressing you like, but be cautious with the amount. Use half the package to control the number of calories from added fat and sugar. Watch out for high-calorie salads, such as those with deep-fried shells or those topped with breaded chicken or other fried toppings. Also skip salad extras, such as cheese and croutons, which quickly increase the calorie count.
Fast food tip: Opt for grilled items
Can fast food be part of a healthy-eating plan? Sure, if you order wisely and choose fast food only occasionally. Remember that fried and breaded foods, such as crispy chicken sandwiches and breaded fish fillets, are high in fat and calories. Select grilled or roasted lean meats, such as turkey or chicken breast, lean ham or lean roast beef.
Fast-food tip: Have it your way
Can fast food be part of a healthy-eating plan? Sure, if you order wisely and choose fast food only occasionally. Instead of settling for what comes with your sandwich or meal, ask for healthier options and substitutions. For example, ask for lettuce and tomato and no condiments on your sandwich.
Fast-food tip: Watch what you drink
Can fast food be part of a healthy-eating plan? Sure, if you order wisely and choose fast food only occasionally. Remember that what you drink counts, too. Many beverages are high in calories. For example, a large regular soda (32 ounces) has more than 300 calories. Instead, order water or unsweetened iced tea. Also, skip the shakes and other ice-cream drinks. Large shakes can contain more than 800 calories.
Try these quick, fun breakfast options
Don't skip breakfast, even if it's become a bore. Change it up, instead. If you're tired of the same old cereal, try these healthy breakfasts. 1. A whole-wheat pita stuffed with hard-boiled eggs. 2. Leftover vegetable pizza. 3. A tortilla filled with vegetables, salsa and low-fat shredded cheese. 4. A smoothie blended from fruits, some low-fat yogurt and a spoonful of wheat germ. 5. Whole-wheat crackers with low-fat cheese or peanut butter.
Think outside the cereal box
If you skip breakfast because you're tired of the same old thing, let lunch or dinner be your inspiration. Instead of dry cereal or toast, try a whole-wheat sandwich with lean meat and low-fat cheese. Leftover vegetable pizza or a whole-wheat pita stuffed with vegetables are other good options. With a little creativity, breakfast can be healthy, convenient and fun, especially if you think outside the box.
Organic foods: What the labels mean
If you're interested in buying organic food products, make sure you know what to look for. To carry the U.S. Department of Agriculture organic seal, products must be 100 percent organic or be made with at least 95 percent organic ingredients. No other products can carry the organic seal.
Slide show: Guide to beans and legumes
Don't know beans? Here's your chance to learn about these nutritious and tasty legumes. Experiment with beans to add variety to your diet.
Slide show: Add antioxidants to your diet
Antioxidants may play a role in preventing heart disease, cancer and other diseases. See which foods are abundant in antioxidants.
What do expiration dates really mean?
Learn the meaning behind various expiration dates found on food packages, including 'sell by' date and 'best if used by' dates.
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