Tip 1 : Try different ways to use eggplant: Baba Ghanoush, eggplant parmesan, grilled eggplant sandwiches, or stuffed with rice and tomatoes.

Tip 2 : Add a vegetarian protein food to make a salad into a main dish--try garbanzo beans, kidney beans, soybeans or sunflower seeds.

Tip 3 : To incorporate more vegetables into your pizza or pasta--blend carrots, zucchini or spinach into the tomato sauce. Look online for recipes.

Tip 4 : Make your own cheese spread for crackers--try low-fat ricotta blended with herbs such as oregano, dill, & chopped green onions.

Tip 5 : Some dairy products, like whole milk and cheese, contain solid fats, which provide Empty Calories. Choose lower fat versions more often.

Tip 6 : Need a snack? Spread peanut butter on apple slices or top frozen yogurt with berries or slices of kiwi fruit.

Tip 7 : Try a new recipe and get fruit into your dinner dishes--try chicken with apricots or lentils with apples and dried fruit.

Tip 8 : Try a new fruit this week--visit an ethnic supermarket and buy something you haven't tried before.

Tip 9 : Three-bean salads add protein and are great as side dishes, main dishes, or snacks with tortilla chips.

Tip 10 : Use fruit in your holiday stuffing--try apples, cranberries, raisins, or prunes. Check online for recipes.