RITA:
Tina, you look good. Have you lost some weight?
TINA:
Yeah -- a little. About 8 pounds.
You know, a couple of months ago, I decided it was time for my family to eat better. Make healthier choices. Less fast food and big portions. I mean, bye-bye super size!
We’re eating more fruits and veggies, choosing whole grains, making changes. For the better.
RITA:
That sounds like a really big lifestyle change. How did the kids take it?
TINA:
You know, at first it was a struggle. But now Carrie -- and even my picky eater Lacey -- both find the foods tasty. You know, when I saw Lacey grab an orange as a snack...
RITA:
Amazing!
TINA:
I thought so too. I mean, look: Sure, every once in awhile I have cookies and sweets around for snacks. But the bottom line is we eat healthy most of the time.
RITA:
Well, that sounds good, Tina. I’d like to give eating healthier a try. But where do I start?
TINA:
Guess I’d say start by making wiser food choices most of the time. Pick foods that count. Avoid empty calories.
RITA:
Empty calories?
Empty calories?
TINA:
Oh, you know, things that don’t have a whole lot of good stuff in them. It’s best to pick foods that are higher in vitamins and minerals.
Like this tonight we’re having stir-fry chicken with mixed peppers, broccoli and carrots. We’re eating a nice variety now. And the bonus? That it tastes good too!
I heard it’s best to go for the red, orange, and green kinds to get the most nutrients. And the veggies add fiber.
RITA:
And dessert?
TINA:
Cut up apples and oranges. They’re easy, tasty, and good for you too.
RITA:
Okay, I’m hearing two things about making healthier choices for life. No single food or meal can make or break a healthy diet. And picking foods with vitamins
TINA:
and minerals.
RITA:
Oh yeah -- vitamins, minerals, and fiber is a good way to get started. Beats those empty calories. You seem to be on a roll with this healthy lifestyle. Do you have any more tips?
TINA:
Look, Rita, I’m no expert. I’m just surprised that eating right doesn’t have to be as complicated as I used to think. I went to choosemyplate dot gov and made a personalized plan.
Small steps, like eating more whole grains...buying whole grain bread or serving brown rice instead of white rice with our stir-fry tonight. Along with watching how much food I’m eating throughout the whole day.
RITA:
I’m getting this! I started measuring foods lately. It helps me see what a serving size actually is.
TINA:
Watching portions is a big part of healthy eating for life.
On the choosemyplate dot gov site, I learned that the key is to eat more of the foods that are good for you and less of the foods that aren’t.
RITA:
And it seems to be working, I’d like to give this a try. I’ve been feeling so sluggish lately. I think I could add more fruits and vegetables, instead of my usual snacks.
TINA:
I think that is a terrific recipe for great success! Remember, small steps.
RITA:
Speaking of steps, do you want to walk for a bit after dinner?
TINA:
Sure. Come on, stay for dinner. And, another tip? Adding physical activity.
VOICE-OVER ANNOUNCER:
For more information, go to www dot health dot gov forward slash dietary guidelines. This presentation was brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
