Tip 1 : Choose soft margarines with zero trans fats made from liquid vegetable oil, rather than stick margarine or butter

Tip 2 : Add fruit like pineapple or fresh chunks of peaches to vegetable and meat kabobs.

Tip 3 : Add pureed vegetables, like carrots, sweet potatoes, and beans to soup for a thicker, heartier texture.

Tip 4 : Jazz up raw vegetables with hummus dip or bean spread.

Tip 5 : Keep fruits separate from raw meat, poultry, and seafood while shopping, storing, and preparing.

Tip 6 : Try grilling, broiling, poaching, or roasting protein foods. These cooking methods don't add extra fat.

Tip 7 : Use your summer vegetables to make homemade salsa. Check online for recipes.

Tip 8 : Fruit is a very handy, ready-to-go food. Many kinds can be eaten with little to no preparation other than rinsing.

Tip 9 : Look for the following whole grains listed first on the label’s ingredient list: brown rice, bulgur, graham flour, whole wheat, and oatmeal.

Tip 10 : Make croutons from whole-grain bread to use in salads.