Recently the United States Department of Agriculture’s MyPyramid was replaced with the MyPlate guide. The goal of the MyPlate guide is to make it easier for us to visualize our portion sizes and the types of foods we should eat. The guide focuses on three simple goals: balance calories, increase portions of some foods (such as fruits and vegetables) and decrease consumption of others (farewell, junk food).

Everyone, of course, is different. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a useful online tool to help you determine the amount that is right for you.

There are compelling reasons to up your intake of fruits and vegetables:

• Weight-loss: Consuming more fruits and vegetables help you fill up, not out. Research shows eating large amounts of fruits and vegetables instead of junk food may make it easier to control your weight. 
• Vitamins and Minerals: Fruits and vegetables give the body the needed minerals and vitamins to be productive throughout the day.
• Better health: Eating a balanced diet can help to prevent or mitigate chronic conditions, such as obesity, diabetes and even cancer.

Read more to learn useful healthy eating tips, including how to stretch your fruit and vegetable budget.