MyPlate is a simple tool that reminds you to choose a variety of foods throughout the day. It gives you a picture of what and how much to eat from each of the food groups each day, whether you eat on a plate, from a bowl, a cup, or some other way. Eating a variety of foods from each food group will help you get the nutrients you need. The five food groups that make up MyPlate are Vegetables, Fruits, Grains, Proteins, and Dairy. MyPlate, in a nutshell:

Eat.Move.Save. is like a toolbox that can help you make healthier choices on any budget. In this blog series, we will highlight many of the tools that you can use to build your plan to Eat, Move, and Save in a way that works for you and your family. The first tool we’ll pull from the box is Find Food IL!

Sheet pan suppers are great because you can cook everything together on one foil-lined pan, making clean up a snap. You can use all kinds of ingredients and flavors to create something everyone will love. They are a good option for using up any leftover meat or produce you have on hand. Sheet pan suppers use the roasting method for cooking, which brings out the natural flavors of whatever you decide to put on the pan. 

Grain bowls make great 5-ingredient meals for lots of reasons. They are easy to make. They are made with things that you probably already have in your kitchen. They are a great way to use leftovers or use single ingredients in different ways. And maybe most important, they are full of nutrition, including all five food groups!

Creating meals with 5-ingredients or less can simplify meal prep and cut down on time spent in the kitchen. It's not just affordable and easy to assemble but can also be made ahead of time. For instance, salad is the perfect 5-ingredient meal that is budget friendly and can be prepared the night before. And let's not forget, it can include most of the MyPlate food groups! 

After a long week, the best thing to have on Friday nights is pizza! Ordering take-out or delivery, while convenient, might not be the most affordable option. So, make it at home! Homemade pizzas can be a crowd favorite because they are customizable for each person. Like it spicy? Add red pepper flakes. Vegetarian? You can take the meat off and add extra vegetables. Love a crispy crust? Bake your pizza a little longer. Here’s how to get started:

Charcutier boards have become all the rage in recent years. It’s a fun meal to serve for lunches, dinners, and large gatherings because it is easy to put together and has zero cooking or baking. What is charcutier? Charcutier was first derived in 15th century France, where people would go to a charcutier store to by meat products. Unlike a delicatessen (deli) or a butcher shop these meats are processed differently. The process was developed by using salt, vinegar, and smoke to preserve the meat.

Welcome to our 5-ingredient meals series! When you are in a pinch for time, or just want something simple, planning a meal with only five ingredients can be a great option. Let’s start by learning how to use MyPlate to plan quick meals. Then, we’ll discuss making sure your meals are prepared safely. 

Do you have a few favorite recipes that seem to pop up on your family’s menu often? Starting with these recipes is the perfect way to embrace your creativity in the kitchen and try something new. Sometimes starting with a comfortable food makes it easier to add new flavors or food groups. Check out some of these tips for taking a familiar food and switching it up!

Looking for a family-friendly activity that will keep your kids entertained and active? Creating a scavenger hunt at home is a great way to challenge your kids while getting to move. All you need is scrap paper, a pen, and some household items.