Creative Ways to Eat More Fruits and Veggies Every Day

Yes, it seems everywhere you turn health and wellness experts are telling you to eat more fruits and vegetables.

Yes, they’re full, and I mean FULL, of nutrition (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, etc.).

Yes, eating more vegetables can help you maintain a healthy body weight, and even lose some fat (as long as you don’t bread and fry them, or cover them with cream sauce).

Your question is not “Should I eat more fruits and vegetables,” but “How can I actually do it?”

And before we dive in, always start from where you are. If you’re not used to any fruits or veggies, try for just two per day. Build up from there. Don’t get overwhelmed thinking you need to overhaul your entire diet in one day. Wherever you’re at now, as a trial, increase it by 2 per day.

Now, let’s dive into my helpful ideas on exactly HOW to add more fruits and vegetables to your diet!

SNEAK THEM INTO OTHER DISHES

OK, this one may be, shall we say, “sneaky,” but I’m all about your health, so hear me out.

• Add ½ apple, a small handful of spinach or kale, or extra berries into your smoothie.
• Dice or shred up an extra bit of carrot, broccoli, zucchini or pepper into your soup.
• Love sandwiches? Why not add an extra slice of tomato, lettuce or cucumber to it?
• How about chicken, tuna, or salmon salad? Dice up a stalk of celery and throw it in.
• Love to bake? How about substituting ¼ cup of the sugar for ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce?
• Used to having a small salad? Why not try a larger one?
• Making tomato sauce? Add in some extra mushrooms or peppers.

MAKE THEM TASTE MORE DELICIOUS WITH A MEAL

• Steam some frozen corn and add a touch of olive oil and your favorite herb or spice.
• Use veggies as your sandwich “bread” by making a lettuce wrap.
• Don’t be afraid to spice them up! Try sauteing them for 10 minutes with a drizzle of oil and flavor them with pepper, garlic, ginger or cumin.

OPTING FOR THEM AS SNACKS

• Why not throw a banana, apple or a couple of clementines into your lunch bag?
• Ditch the chips and dip – Instead try some carrot, celery, broccoli, cucumber or cauliflower with a dip like hummus, guacamole, or even your favorite salad dressing?
• Love sweetened yogurt? Buy plain, and immerse it with fresh or frozen berries.
• Fill your ice cube tray with coconut water and mango and have a few cubes when you crave some ice cream!

YOUR CHALLENGE

Take two of these suggestions and try them tomorrow. Just add two more fruits and veggies to the number you’re at today. Two more.

And if you’re not an instant fan, well, try again. Research shows that sometimes it takes our taste buds several tries before actually beginning to like a new flavor. Try it; you might just find some new favorites….

What do you think of these ideas? What are your tricks for including more fruits & veggies? Would luv to hear from you in the comments below.