Planning healthy meals is easy. Just follow these simple tips.

Plan for 3-A-Day - Eating three servings of milk, yogurt and cheese a day is a deliciously easy and wholesome way for families to meet their daily calcium needs. Find ideas for giving family meals a boost in taste and nutrition with 3-A-Day Mealtime Makeovers. Also, find dairy-licious ways to power up your day with the ÒPower of 3Ó Planner.

3-A-Day Mealtime Makeover PDF

"Power of 3" Planner

Print the 3-A-Day Tracker and find out if your family is on their way to three dairy a day. Post one on the fridge for each family member.

Let the Pyramid Be Your Guide - Hot or cold, convenience or scratch, everyday foods or new and exotic - use the Food Guide Pyramid for planning healthy meals. Include foods from all the food groups, and choose a variety of foods from each group. A variety of foods prevents boredom and is the best way to ensure your family gets the 40+ nutrients they need each day.

Plan Ahead - It avoids the question, "What's for dinner tonight?" and increases the likelihood that meals are nutritious. There's no magic formula. Choose what works best for you - one day, a few days, or a week at a time. They key is knowing your family's schedule and including foods that that can be prepared in the time available. Use your plan for your grocery list.

Think Convenience - Take advantage of the variety of healthful and convenient foods available. For busy nights, plan to pick up a pizza, roast chicken or entree on the way home. Prepare a salad, cut up some fruit, cook some pasta or slice some bread, pour some milk and dinner is served!

Keep a Well-Stocked Pantry and Fridge - Put nutritious meals together in hurry when there's a last-minute schedule change or you didn't get around to planning.

Plan Family Meals and Meals for the Family - Schedule family meals several times during the week. Children who eat with their families tend to have healthier eating patterns. Include your favorites, as well as your children's. Too often it's easiest to only plan meals around what kids like. Remember that children need to grow to join the family and develop a taste for new foods.