National Nutrition Month is upon us – why not make it a family decision by taking the 'Just One More for Healthy Living' pledge at www.eatjustonemore.com. The campaign is dedicated to encouraging families to incorporate an additional serving of fruits and veggies daily and lean protein weekly.  They are manageable steps that produce big results. 

There are lots of small steps you can take to ensure you and your family is eating healthy amounts of the right foods.  (brought to you by foodreference.com)

• Be Creative. Try something different, like washing and clipping grapes into small bunches and putting them in the freezer.  Try with bananas too!

•Cut Down on Fat. Try low-fat dairy products, poultry without skin and lean meats to get flavor without a lot of calories.

• Serve healthy snacks and have smaller meals.  Stock your kitchen with healthy lunch and snack foods, such as raisins, popcorn, sliced vegetables and fruit.
•Don't use food as punishment or reward.

• Keep Track.  Let your kids "eat the rainbow."  Keep a chart on the fridge so your kids can record each color fruit or vegetable they have each day.  You can also have then plan, shop for and prepare meals – they are likely to make better choices when they are involved in the process. 

• Get Moving.  Encourage informal play virtually everyday.  If you can't participate with your kids during the week, plan on being active during the weekend.  Go skating, walk your dog, clean the house…

• Turn off the TV. Never eat in front of the TV and encourage your children to do something active instead of watching TV. 
 

Here are some delicious recipes to get you started and guaranteed your whole family will love!
FOR BREAKFAST TRY:
Sunrise Sunday
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 3

Ingredients
• 1-1/2 cups low-fat granola or other dry cereal
• 1 cup low-fat plain or vanilla yogurt
• 1 can (15.25 oz.) Del Monte Lite Fruit Cocktail, drained
Directions
In tall glasses, spoon alternating layers of granola or any other dry cereal, yogurt and fruit cocktail.
For easy variety use any 6 pack of single serving assorted dry cereals and Fruits.

FOR LUNCH TRY:
Corn and Chicken Tostada
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
• 4 tostada shells or tortilla chips
• 6 or 1-1/4 oz or cups chicken strips, cooked
• 2/3 cup salsa or taco sauce
• 1 or 11 can or oz Del Monte Golden Sweet Corn, drained
• Lettuce, Shredded
• Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
Directions:
Warm tostada shells according to package directions.  Meanwhile, combine chicken, salsa and corn in medium saucepan.  Heat through.  Layer lettuce, cheese and corn mixture on tostada shells or over tortilla chips.  Serve with sour cream, if desired.

FOR DINNER TRY:
Beef Macaroni and Cheese
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 can (14 ½ oz) Del Monte Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic & Oregano
• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 1-1/2 cups shredded Cheddar Cheese
Directions
Brown meat and onion over medium-high heat in skillet; drain.  Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Add tomatoes and 1 cup water; bring to boil.
Stir in macaroni.  Cover and simmer 10 minutes or until cooked.
Stir in cheese.  Garnish with sour cream, if desired.

FOR DESERT TRY:
Caramelized Pineapple with Ice Cream
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cooking Time: 7 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
• 1 can (15-1/2 oz.) Del Monte® Pineapple Chunks in Syrup
• 2 Tbsp. firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp. melted butter
Directions
Spread pineapple with 2 tablespoons syrup in 2-quart baking dish.  Top with sugar and drizzle with butter.  Bake at 450°F 7 minutes or until lightly browned.  Spoon hot pineapple over ice cream.  Serve immediately.

Our library has many resources available on nutrition, diet, and exercise for males, females and kids.  We have workout videos, cookbooks, and many books on diet and nutrition for all ages.   If you’re interested in something that we don’t have in our collection we can also borrow for you through Interlibrary Loan.  Just let us know what you need, we’re here to help you get the information and resources that you need.  Until next time, Happy Reading!