Tip 1 : Rinse veggies under running water before preparing or eating them to remove dirt and microbes on the surface.

Tip 2 : In pancakes and muffins, experiment with substituting half the flour with oat or whole-wheat flour. (They may need more leavening).

Tip 3 : Give your cooked vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus) a splash of lemon juice. This will keep them looking fresh and tasting great.

Tip 4 : Whole grains are great in mixed dishes. Try using brown rice in a casserole, or quinoa in a salad.

Tip 5 : Be food safe! Cook poultry to 165° F, and chopped or ground beef, lamb, veal, and pork to 160° F.

Tip 6 : Vary your veggies. Try new vegetables and find recipes online. Why not try bok choy, artichokes, beets, or kale?

Tip 7 : Bring a healthy option to a summer celebration. Offer hot, grilled fruit kabobs or cold and colorful cantaloupe and honeydew skewers.

Tip 8 : Looking for a new way to eat Brussels sprouts? They can be boiled, sautéed, or oven roasted to go along with any meal.

Tip 9 : Make split pea soup with new flavors--try adding caramelized onions and cumin or different vegetables like pumpkin.

Tip 10 : Add toasted peanuts or cashews--instead of meat--as the protein food in a vegetable stir-fry.