Healthy Hint #35

Vegetables are light on calories, but packed with disease-fighting vitamins and minerals. Ideally, you should fill half your plate with them. And it’s easier than you think.

To bulk up the vegetable content of your meals:

• Cook fresh or frozen vegetables in the microwave for a quick-and-easy dish.
• Be ahead of the game. Cut up a batch of bell peppers, carrots or broccoli and pre-package them to use in a pinch.
• Brighten your salad by using colorful vegetables, such as shredded radishes and chopped red cabbage.

When eating out, choose vegetables or a salad as your side dish.