Here are fun "bites" for your social messaging efforts. We chose the topic of a plant based diet using evidence from the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

• Plant based = MORE vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds
• Plant based = LESS animal based foods and processed foods
• Consistent evidence indicates that a dietary pattern that is higher in plant-based foods is more health promoting
• A plant-based diet is associated with a lower environmental impact.
• Who – anyone who wants to improve their health and make more conscious decisions that support sustainability of the environment.
• Vegans only eat foods from plants: fruits, vegetables, legumes (dried beans and peas), grains, seeds, and nuts and avoids all animal foods.
• Lactovegetarians consume plant foods plus cheese and other dairy products and ovo-lactovegetarians include eggs, too.
• Flexitarians are vegetarians most of the time but they will eat meat sometimes.

Here are four easy ways to start being more plant-based in your eating pattern today:

1. Eat meatless meals one or more nights a week.
2. Vegetarian chili and beans soups are a great start.
3. Try a vegetarian sandwich or salad for lunch with nut butter or with lots of veggies.
4. Use less meat or poultry per person when preparing meals by building them up with whole grains, vegetables, beans, and nuts.
5. Choose a whole-grain and fruit-based breakfast like oatmeal.