Here are 10 Ways to Add More Fruits and Vegetables to Your Diet
Building a healthy plate is simple when you make half your meals fruits and vegetables. This not only adds vibrant color, flavor, and texture to your dishes but also provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Strive to eat 2 cups of fruit and 2½ cups of vegetables daily. So here are 10 creative ways to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your meals and your family’s diet:
- Elevate Your Pizza Game
Use vegetables as pizza toppings! Try broccoli, spinach, green peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, olives, and zucchini to add variety and nutrition. - Blend a Breakfast Smoothie
Start your morning with a smoothie made from low-fat milk and frozen fruits. Experiment with combinations like strawberries and bananas, mango with pineapple or peach, or mixed berries and avocado. - Create a Veggie Wrap
Roast vegetables and pair them with low-fat cheese, then roll them into a whole-wheat tortilla for a satisfying, portable meal. Or try a hummus spread in your spinach wrap with lettuce, tomato, cucumbers and avocado. - Swap Chips for Crunchy Veggies
Dip crunchy vegetables, such as carrots or celery, into your favorite hummus or low-fat salad dressing instead of reaching for chips. - Grill Colorful Kabobs
Skewer a mix of tomatoes, green and red peppers, mushrooms, and onions, then grill them for a flavorful side dish or snack. - Brighten Your Salads
Add baby carrots, grape tomatoes, spinach leaves, or mandarin oranges to salads for a colorful and tasty upgrade. - Snack Smart with Pre-Cut Veggies
Keep cut vegetables handy for mid-afternoon snacks or quick nibbles. Easy options include red, green, or yellow peppers, broccoli or cauliflower florets, cucumbers, snap peas, edamame, and whole radishes. - Make Fruit Convenient
Place a bowl of fresh, ripe whole fruit in the center of your kitchen or dining table to encourage snacking on the go. - Try a Fruit Sauce
Puree apples, berries, peaches, or pears in a blender to create a thick, sweet sauce. Use it as a topping for grilled or broiled seafood or poultry—or drizzle it over pancakes, French toast, or waffles. - Keep it Fun and Cool
If you’re looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth at night, start keeping grapes or frozen pineapple in your freezer for delicious sweet treat.
By following these tips, you’ll not only meet your daily fruit and vegetable goals but also discover new and delicious ways to enjoy them! Here’s my go-to recipe for a healthy super protein shake.
xoxo,
Jenna
