Mini Meals

First of all, let me just say, this is not the end all be all trick...it is just another suggested way of getting fit, which some of you may have heard already, so take it as you see fit (no pun intended)!

Experts suggest that for many reasons, including digestive health, it is optimal for individuals to eat six mini meals, rather than three bigger meals. With this in mind, consider trying the six mini meals and see if it:

1) reduces hunger between meals,

2) helps relieve any digestive problems, such as heart burn

3) sheds pounds.

For a person trying to stick to a 1200 calorie diet, six mini meals of 200 calories each would be appropriate.

For a person trying to stick to an 1800 calorie diet, six mini meals of 300 calories each would be appropriate.

Some key ingredients in this get fit approach is not over-eating during the mini-meals and making sure the mini meals eaten are nutrient dense rather than full of empty calories.

To get readers started, here is a recipe for a 200 calorie mini-meal!

Avocado Tacos

1 ripe avocado, peeled and seeded

1 medium onion, julienned

2 large green peppers, julienned

1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1 ˝ cup fresh tomato salsa

12 whole-wheat flour tortillas (10 inch diameter)

Non-stick cooking spray

Directions: Spray skillet with cooking spray. Lightly sauté onions and peppers. Cut avocado into 12 slices. Warm tortillas in oven; layer peppers, onions, one avocado slice, and salsa. Fold tortillas to enclose the filling and serve. Yield: 12 servings.

Nutrition Facts: 190 calories, 6g fat, 180mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate, 5g fiber, 5g protein, 25% vitamin A, 100% vitamin C, 2% calcium, 8% iron.

For more great recipes, visit

www.fruitsandveggiesmattter.gov &

Consider tracking your meals and calories on

www.thedailyplate.com