Although it's an old message, it is a new beginning...time to get into the swing of a new year. And that means renewing our energy for shopping and meal planning as well as the traditional thoughts on getting fit! You can contact our Giant Eagle^® Registered Dietitian Team at nutrition@gianteagle.com for tips on getting fit, but for now, here are some ideas for resolutions with a focus on value, time saving and nutrition!

• Involve the whole household in the meal planning, shopping and preparation. Bring out the Giant Eagle^® Weekly Specials or go online for our virtual choices and have family members help make the shopping list.
• Designate mealtime tasks for each family member including coupon identification, recipe selection, shopping assistance, preparation, table setting and clean-up.
• Plan meals using MyPlate. Fill half of your plate with fruits and veggies, one quarter each of a protein and a grain with a side of a dairy or dairy alternative (milk, cheese, yogurt or milk replacement like soy or rice beverage).
• Stock up on frozen or canned vegetables and fruits so you have choices. This is not the season for fresh, locally grown produce, but frozen and canned are picked and processed quickly keeping nutrition in tact. If added salt is an issue in your family, know that Giant Eagle^® has canned vegetables without added salt and most frozen vegetables have no added salt.
• Our favorite cold weather comfort foods, are money savers and can be packed with nutrition. This is the time for chili, bean dishes, soups, pot roast or chicken stew, pasta (with veggie-loaded sauces), and casseroles or other one dish meals. Try updating macaroni and cheese with an addition of chopped vegetables and some lower fat cheese for the topping or mix up the meatloaf with some ground lean turkey.
• Go meatless at least once a week. A hearty bean soup with rustic bread and a salad makes a great cold weather meal, and the leftovers pack for lunch the next day. Try a lentil or quinoa dish (check out our recipe collection) - both offer protein and other nutrients with no fat. Experiment with tofu or veggie burgers.
• Put an emphasis on family meals prepared at home. This is a hard one with busy lifestyles but there is evidence that eating together is not only better for weight control but also can ease the dollars spent eating out. Cook together!
• Look for seasonal specials. Oranges and tangerines are still in season. If you are packing them for a lunch, oranges are more likely to be eaten if you take the time to wash the orange, pat it dry and cut it into orange sections or "O's" for younger children.
• Need ideas? Nutrition@gianteagle.com.

January 2012