Here are some ways to avoid these "Extras":
- If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so sensibly and in moderation.
- Switch from whole milk to fat-free or low fat milk.
- Trim the fat off meat and take the skin off chicken before eating it.
- Use vegetable oils for cooking instead of solid fats like stick margarine, lard, or butter.
- Try using vinegar and oil or a squeeze of lemon instead on salads instead of salad dressings.
- Use sliced bananas, berries, raisins, or diced fruits to sweeten breakfast cereals or yogurt.
- Try chopped fruit or pureed berries on pancakes and waffles instead of butter and syrup.
- Drink 100% fruit juice instead of a fruit drink or punch.
- Choose fruit as a quick pick-me-up (snack) instead of candy or cookies.
- Drink water or other unsweetened beverages instead of sweetened soft drinks.
To learn more about the Food Guide Pyramid visit http://www.mypyramid.gov/index.html.
