Everything that you put into your body is important. Each meal is a part of your healthy lifestyle. Now that you know what to eat, here are some tips on how to do it!

Make your plate half fruits and half veggies
Typically the more vibrant the color of the fruit and vegetable, the more nutrients they contain, so try deep red peppers or berries, bright oranges or sweet potatoes, or dark green broccoli, pears or kiwi.

Enjoy fruit
Fruit makes a sweet and healthy dessert! It can be enjoyed fresh, frozen, dried or canned- but watch for added sugary syrups or things that taste like fruit, but don’t contain the real thing.

Experiment with veggies
You can sneak veggies into other dishes, like adding them to sandwiches. You can also try them in different ways, like raw, steamed or roasted. Just remember to watch out for heavy and creamy sauces that could add fat.

Don’t limit your proteins
Try different forms of protein, including seeds and nuts, eggs, beans and even peas. When eating protein, be sure to keep it lean.

Be selective with dairy
Trade in your regular dairy products for low-fat or fat-free milk or cheese, or try soy alternatives.

Watch what you drink
Certain beverages can be high in sugars and even fats (think heavy and creamy drinks- like milkshakes and iced coffee). Try drinking water- a good guideline is to drink when you are thirsty.

Watch the add-ons
Creamy or buttery sauces, gravies or salad dressings can be filled with sodium and saturated fats, try to choose oil-based products when you can, or have sauces on the side so you can control the amount you use.

Try new things
Don’t limit your taste buds. There are tons of healthy foods out there that you may not have tried yet. Pick unfamiliar things and add new and healthy foods to your diet!

So you might have the whole eating thing down when you’re at home, but how do you handle eating at a cafeteria or dining hall, during a holiday, at a special celebration, or when you order take out? Check out the list of tips below to make healthy choices when you are in these situations!

Prepare
Whether it’s a school cafeteria, dining hall or a fancy restaurant- you can usually see what the options will be by checking out the menu. Look it up in advance so you can plan out a healthier meal.

But there’s some tasty food out there…
Definitely, and there is no need to deprive yourself! Enjoying what you eat is important. If you are out at a restaurant or an all-you-can-eat buffet, just try smaller portions and take some home for later.

A salad is always healthy right?
A salad may seem like a healthy option, but some of the add-ons can increase the calorie count quickly. Go light on high calorie items that can add up, like creamy dressings, fried noodles, croutons and cheese.

Think about the drinks
If you’re out and indulging, think about what you are drinking. You may be able to save some calories by sticking with water or unsweetened teas.

Get creative
Remember to consider what is in the dish, creamy sauces can add sodium and fats, and the way a food is cooked (liked deep-frying, for example) can add lots of unhealthy fats. Remember that you can usually order menu items to taste, or if you are at a party, go light on sauces or dressings. If it’s take out, order sauces on the side or ask for veggies to be steamed!

Dessert
Often when you are out for a special occasion, at dinner or celebrating a birthday, dessert is definitely on the menu. Don’t deprive yourself but make a healthy choice or try sharing with someone!

Forgive yourself
Ate a little too much or overindulged? Don’t be hard on yourself. Healthy eating is a lifestyle and tomorrow is a new day for you to make healthier choices. One meal won’t change that.