It doesn't have to be the start of a new year to change your dieting habits.

Monica Nyman with the St. Louis District Dairy Council has some tips on getting started on a healthier diet. She first recommends going to more fruits and vegetables and making half of your plate be a fruit or vegetable.

Another healthy tip is to choose lean proteins. She encourages varying your choices to include beans, peas, and eggs. You can also choose seafood and lean cuts of meat and poultry that are prepared in a healthful way, such as baked or grilled instead of fried.

A recommendation about good dieting habits with the St. Louis District Dairy Council wouldn't be complete if more dairy wasn't recommended. Nyman encourages completing your meal with dairies like milk, yogurt, cheese, or lactose-free milk. Strive for 3 servings each day.  

March was National Nutrition Month but Nyman points out it's never a bad time to be evaluating your diet and if you're consuming the right foods daily.