Small Steps to Good Taste—How to Make the Pyramid Mine
In 2005, USDA released the MyPyramid symbol, the system provides many options to help Americans make healthy food choices and to be active every day. The main concepts of MyPyramid include: activity, moderation, personalization, proportionality, variety and gradual improvement.

Small Steps to Understanding Food Labels
The Nutrition Facts Label provides consumers with information to help plan a healthful diet while managing calorie in take. This lesson will help participants use the food label to make decisions about which food choice is right for them.

Small Steps to a Great Start
Breakfast is many times identified as the “most important” meal of the day; however, many Americans frequently skip the morning meal. This lesson provides clients with information on the importance of breakfast, whole grain breakfast foods and fiber.

Small Steps to Sensational Side Dishes & Snacks!
In this lesson we will cover the importance of whole fruit to increase fiber consumption, how to make 100% juice choices, and the importance of eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. Research suggests that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help prevent diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and some cancers. This lesson provides clients with information on the benefits of fruits and vegetables for disease prevention.

Small Steps to Drinking to your Health!
The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend including at least 3 recommended amounts of calcium rich foods each day to ensure adequate consumption of important nutrients such as calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D, and potassium. This lesson provides clients with information on the importance of low-fat milk products in relation to osteoporosis and total dietary fat intake.

Small Steps to Go Lean with Protein!
The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend including more lean protein sources. However, lean meat products can be one of the biggest expenses in a food budget. In this lesson we will discuss the health aspects of choosing lean protein sources including meat, beans, seeds and nuts as well as the benefit of buying meats in bulk and how to safely preserve and store bulk meats.

Small Steps to Figuring out Fats!
The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting intake of fats and oils high in saturated and/or trans fatty acids. Choosing products low in such fats and oils, with most fats coming from sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, (such as fish, nuts, and vegetable oils) is also recommended. Fat intakes that exceed 35 % of calories are associated with both total increased saturated fat and calorie intakes, ultimately lead to increased risk for heart disease and overweight. Our objective with this lesson is to lessen the confusion surrounding different fats and to empower participants to choose more healthy fats.

Small Steps to Safe Food for your Family
According to the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, it is estimated that every year about 76 million people in the United States become ill from pathogens in food; of these, about 5,000 die. It is vital therefore; that we provide valid and applicable food safety education to the clients we serve. In this lesson, we will discuss the fundamental elements (clean, separate, cook, chill) of home food safety.

Small Steps to Great Meals
One of the biggest barriers to good nutrition can be a lack of meal preparation in the home. Lack of basic preparation skills, lead to a dependency on less economical and often times less nutritious convenience foods. This lesson will provide clients with an introduction to preparing simple meals and skills to better equip them to provide family meals that can fit into any family’s budget.



FNP Assistant Nancy Fodrea, 812- 379-1665 The Family Nutrition Program operates through Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service in partnership with Indiana Family & Social Services Administration (FSSA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, FSSA and USDA are equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institutions. This material was funded by USDA’s Food Stamp Program. The Food Stamp Program helps end hunger and provides healthy foods for low-income families. To find out more about food stamp benefits contact your local office of Family Resources at: 812-376-9361.