Tip 1 : Make beans and peas part of your meals often; try chili with kidney or pinto beans, lentil soup, or baked beans.

Tip 2 : Try mixing different textures of fruits. For example, apples are crunchy, bananas are smooth and creamy, and oranges are juicy.

Tip 3 : Ready-to-eat, whole-grain cereal is a tasty whole grain snack. Check the Nutrition Facts label to find one that is lower in sugar.

Tip 4 : Fruit purees make colorful sauces. Simply crush fresh fruit like strawberries or ripe peaches and serve over waffles or angel food cake.

Tip 5 : Make twice-baked potatoes with plain yogurt instead of sour cream. Top with chopped green onions or chives.

Tip 6 : Cook it once, eat twice. Make extra vegetables and save some for later. Use them for a stew, soup, or a pasta dish.

Tip 7 : Jazz up raw vegetables with hummus dip or bean spread.

Tip 8 : Build a meal around beans or peas. Bean burritos are a quick and easy dinner entree.

Tip 9 : Corn is a great and affordable vegetable to cook all year long. Buy it fresh, frozen, or canned!

Tip 10 : Keep a good selection of rinsed fruit in the fridge for a quick and refreshing snack. (Rinse berries just before serving.)