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Fruits, vegetables, grains, meat and cheeseMarch is National Nutrition Month!

The recently released 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends an increased focus on a plant-based diet. This combined with including lean meats, fish and poultry, and low-fat milk and dairy products creates a rainbow of colors on your plate.  This is a great foundation for a healthful eating plan.

Let Color Be Your Guide to Nutritious Meals!

A colorful meal is not only visually appealing, but it also contains a variety of nutrients and is quite flavorful.

Here are some ideas to help you complete your rainbow of good nutrition.  Try something new!

Green produce indicates antioxidant potential and may help promote healthy vision and reduce cancer risks.  

Fruits: avocado, apples, grapes, honeydew, kiwi and lime

Vegetables: artichoke, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, green peppers and leafy greens such as spinach

Orange and deep yellow fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that promote healthy vision and immunity, and reduce the risk of some cancers.

Fruits: apricot, cantaloupe, grapefruit, mango, papaya, peach and pineapple

Vegetables: carrots, yellow pepper, yellow corn and sweet potatoes

Purple and blue options may have antioxidant and anti-aging benefits and may help with memory, urinary tract health and reduced cancer risks.

Fruits: blackberries, blueberries, plums, raisins

Vegetables: eggplant, purple cabbage, purple-fleshed potato

Red indicates produce that may help maintain a healthy heart, vision, immunity and may reduce cancer risks.

Fruits: cherries, cranberries, pomegranate, red/pink grape fruit, red grapes and watermelon

Vegetables: beets, red onions, red peppers, red potatoes, rhubarb and tomatoes

White, tan and brown foods sometimes contain nutrients that may promote heart health and reduce cancer risks.

Fruits: banana, brown pear, dates and white peaches

Vegetables: cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, turnips, white-fleshed potato and white corn

Great Useful Links:

Visit www.EatRight.org, the American Dietetic Association's official website, for more nutrition information.

For fun nutrition kids games and videos: .http://www.eatright.org/NNM/content.aspx?id=5334

WIC Nutrition for Recipes and Healthy Food Ideas

If you know anyone that is pregnant or has children less than 5 years of age, please visit the WIC section of our Website or give us a call at: 941-624-7210 to see if they are eligible for our WIC program.