Keys to Successful Eating: Variety,   Moderation and Balance

Variety: Varying your food provides a much greater range of nutrients. If you eat the same foods day after day, you may be missing out on many beneficial vitamins and minerals that your body needs. 

Variety can also add spice to your meals. Try these ideas to add variety to your meals. 

• Try new cookbooks. 
• Try a different ethnic recipe or restaurant each week.
•  Make a list of 10 different fruits and vegetables, and try something new each day.

Moderation: There is a place in every food plan for all kinds of food.  Eating in moderation also means controlling the size of your portions. Once you decide the number of servings from each food group, spread them throughout your daily meals.

Balance: Many people eat large amounts of food from one food group and then forget about other groups that offer important vitamins and nutrients. As a general rule, blend different food groups onto your plate at each meal. Before throwing something on your plate, consider what food groups you are working with and aim for at least three groups at each meal.