It is no secret that the food pyramid continually makes changes and updates to the dietary guidlines aiming to provide Americans with something that resembles a healthy, well-balanced diet. The newest version emphasizing that we avoid processed foods while prioritizing the consumption of whole, nutrient-dense foods. It is evident that this progression/transformation has been a learning process for both science and citizen however there is light at the end of the tunnel and with more and more studies linking highly processed foods to chronic disease (including childhood prediabetes and obesity) we are more likely to make a conscious decision to avoid the foods that make us ill. In the edible plant kingdom, the possibilities are endless! Whole grains come in all kinds of varieties including oats, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth, farro and more while beans come in all kinds of different shapes and colors from chickpeas and black beans to navy and kidney beans. There are literally over 400 different bean varieties all over the world. The abundance of fresh fruits and veggies out there are endless varying in taste and texture for all kinds of creative and cheerful culinary experiences. The point is that when we know what foods to focus on incorporating to create a well-balanced diet it is important not to get caught up on the things you are giving up and know that there is a whole world of new foods out there to explore. Download the homework assignment below and start exploring today!