Myth: It’s too hard to balance my calories so that I have a healthy weight.

Answer: BUSTED!

Here are 3 things you can start doing right now to help you balance your calories and achieve a healthy weight:

1. TRACK
   Track the calories you get each day to get an idea of how many calories you are getting. You can do this online at http://www.mypyramidtracker.gov.
2. READ
   Read Nutrition Facts labels (especially the calories and number of servings) and online calorie information about foods. Read calorie information in brochures that restaurants or fast food places provide onsite. Read calorie information on menus or menu boards at restaurants that provide this information.
3. CHOOSE
   Choose these healthy behaviors:
   
   • Choose to prepare food at home. YOU have control over what goes in your food, like less added fat and sugar.
   • Choose to include more vegetables and fruits in your diet – they fill you up and keep you satisfied with less calories.
   • Choose to be active each day.
   • Choose smaller portions wherever you make food choices – at restaurants, at home and when you snack in front of the TV.

Visit the MissouriFamilies website for more information about nutrition and health.

Contributor: Ellen Schuster, M.S., R.D., Associate State Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, schusterer@missouri.edu, 573-882-1933