Adopting healthful eating habits can significantly improve your overall well-being. Here are six easy steps to help you eat more healthfully:

1. Incorporate More Fruits and Vegetables

• Aim for Variety: Include a wide range of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet. This ensures you get a broad spectrum of nutrients.

• Make it Convenient: Keep pre-washed, cut fruits and vegetables ready for quick snacks and meals.

• Get about 4-5 cups of fruits and vegetables per day. By incorporating them at every meal this is pretty easy to do.

• Check out MyPlate that guides you to fill your plate half way with fruits and veggies at every meal.

2. Choose Whole Grains

• Switch to Whole Grains: Opt for whole grain bread, brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal instead of refined grains like white bread and pasta.

• Read Labels: Look for "whole grain" or "whole wheat" as the first ingredient on food labels.

• Try to consume fewer processed grains like pastries, cookies, and crackers since they lack the nutrients and fiber of cooked whole grains.

3. Balance Your Protein Sources

• Variety is Key: Include a mix of lean proteins such as poultry, fish, beans, lentils, tofu, and nuts.

• Limit Red and Processed Meats: Reduce your intake of red and processed meats, which can be higher in saturated fats and sodium. Make simple switches a few times per week.

4. Limit Added Sugars and Salt

• Read Labels: Check nutrition labels for added sugars and high sodium levels, especially in processed foods.

• Natural Sweeteners: Use natural sweeteners like fruit to add sweetness to your dishes.

• Try herbs and spices instead of salt for flavoring.

• Cook more so you are eating fewer processed foods and restaurant foods.

5. Stay Hydrated with Water

• Drink Plenty of Water: Aim to drink at least 8 cups of water a day. Hydration is crucial for overall health and can help control hunger.

• Limit Sugary Drinks: Reduce consumption of sugary beverages like soda, energy drinks, and sweetened teas.

6. Practice Portion Control

• Mind Your Portions: Use smaller plates and bowls to help control portion sizes and avoid overeating.

• Listen to Your Body: Eat slowly and stop eating when you feel full. Pay attention to hunger and fullness cues.

Implementing these steps can help you build a foundation for a healthier diet, improving your energy levels, mood, and long-term health.