Have you seen the new MyPlate? Meat is no longer in the center of the plate! To get more of the healthy stuff your body needs (vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants), you’ll want to fill your plate with mostly plant foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lentils and beans.

Sharon Palmer, Registered dietitian and author of The Plant-Powered Diet: The Lifelong Eating Plan for Achieving Optimal Health, Beginning Today (The Experiment, 2012), offers these tips on her blog:

1. Change your mindset. Don’t think of the animal protein first when you’re planning your menu. Instead, think of which gorgeous fresh vegetables and fruits are in season.

2. Use meat as a seasoning. Turn a single portion of chicken or beef into a delicious, plant-based meal for the whole family – such as a lovely vegetable stir-fry with shrimp or chicken served with brown rice.

3. Put beans and lentils on the menu. Combine them with veggies and whole grains and you’ve got a low-cost, delicious, nutritious meal you can feel good about.

4. Double—or triple—up on the veggies. One little side serving of veggies on your plate is just not going to cut it.

5. Dive into whole grains. Include a serving of cooked ancient grains—quinoa, wheat berries, Kamut, barley, bulgur, or brown rice—on your plate.

6. Dine on fruit for dessert – delicious, naturally sweet fruit (fresh, frozen, or canned without sugar) as your after meal treat every day.

For the complete article, visit Sharon’s blog.