Does eating right seem like an impossible task?  I don’t know about you, but it’s no fun to focus on counting calories during summer when homemade ice cream is on my mind.  Eating right doesn’t have to be hard or complicated.  Here are a few tips from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to help you shift to healthier food and beverage choices.

• Make your calories count. The majority of your food choices should be full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other nutrients, and lower in calories.  Eat “nutrient-dense” foods to get the most out of your meals, rather than filling up on empty calories.
• Focus on variety. Eat a variety of foods from all the food groups to get the nutrients you need.  Try a lot of dark green vegetables like leafy greens and broccoli and orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes.  You can easily find fresh, local produce this time of year, so try some new things!  Vary your protein choices with more fish, beans, and peas.
• Drink water. Water is so important for good body functions, and it is calorie-free!  Be sure you get enough water during the hot summer months.  Add some cucumber slices or fresh fruit for a refreshing drink that doesn’t add to you calorie count.  Try to avoid sugary sodas or tea that add calories without any nutritional benefit.

This summer, focus on eating fresh, healthy foods.  You can find some great recipe ides at dinnertonight.tamu.edu/.