Making your meals more colorful and varied can be a fun adventure! Here are some easy tips I've found helpful:

1. Use MyPlate for Meal Planning

MyPlate is a helpful picture that shows how to plan your meals. Try to fill your plate like this:

• Fruits and Vegetables: Half of your plate should be filled with these. Mix different colors and types for fun!
• Grains: Aim for about one-quarter of your plate. Good choices are whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, or whole grain pasta.
• Protein: The last quarter can be lean meats, fish, eggs, or plant-based foods like beans and tofu.
• Dairy: Remember this food group! Adding low-fat yogurt or cheese can make your meals tastier and healthier.

2. Make Fun Meal Themes

One fun idea is to create themes for your meals. For example:

• Taco Tuesday: Use corn tortillas (grains), fill them with black beans (protein), add some salsa (vegetables), and enjoy a side of mango or watermelon (fruits).
• Stir-Fry Night: Mix many different vegetables, your favorite protein (like shrimp or chickpeas), and serve it all over brown rice.

Choosing a theme helps you include different food groups without even trying!

3. Cook in Batches

Make a lot of different foods ahead of time. Cook a big pot of quinoa, roast a tray of vegetables, and grill some chicken or tofu. When it's mealtime, you can mix and match these foods throughout the week.

4. Try New Recipes

Don’t be shy about trying new dishes! For instance, a Mediterranean grain bowl can include chickpeas, feta cheese, and a lot of veggies you’ve never had before. There are many different cultures that celebrate a variety of food groups!

5. Choose Smart Snacks

Snacks can help you eat more different types of foods. Pair hummus (protein) with carrot sticks (vegetables) or enjoy Greek yogurt (dairy) with berries (fruits) for a quick energy boost.

By using these tips, you’ll follow good eating habits and also find yummy new meals! Happy cooking!