With so many mixed messages about nutrition in the media, it can be hard to know exactly what it means to eat a healthy diet. One this is for sure, though, eating lots of fruits and vegetables is a wise move. According to the USDA, we should be filling half of our plates at every meal with fruits and vegetables. These foods provide fiber, feed the gut, deliver antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and are generally low in calories. This is the impetus for my “half the plate” challenge this month, whereby I”m doing my best to fill half my plate at meals and snacks with colorful, flavorful produce of every stripe. I encourage you to do the same and have gathered over a dozen recipes to help you get started. You’ll find them below.

Also, be sure to tag your #halftheplate meals (and snacks and sweet) on Instagram and I’ll share them. We can get inspired by one another.

What’s your favorite “half the plate” meal? Feel free to share in the comments below.