September is Fruits & Veggies—More Matters Month.
The government’s guidelines for a healthy diet say that we should eat five to 13 vegetables and fruits each day—another way to think about this is that we should fill half our plate for each meal with fruits and vegetables.
But how do you fit all those fresh foods into your life? Here are five great tips for making healthy eating fun, enjoyable and fast:
- You can make an easy veggie side dish by steaming things like green beans, carrots or broccoli in in the microwave. Just put the veggies in a bowl with a little water.
- Keep cut up veggies (like peppers, carrots, or celery) in containers in your fridge so they are available to quickly add to a stir-fry, a salad or just yummy snacking.
- Jazz up your salad with lots of color. Think sliced orange bell peppers, chopped red cabbage, shredded carrots and radishes, different kinds of greens like arugula, watercress, or baby herbs. Don’t forget to add some beans too—like black or garbanzos for a yummy taste.
- Don’t forget that when you shop seasonally (buying fresh produce that is in season) you’ll save money. Fall is a great time to buy squash, apples, and kale.
- Be sure to check out the freezer aisle. Frozen veggies are quick and easy to use and just as nutritious as fresh ones. Some tasty frozen options are corn, peas, green beans and spinach—there is something for everyone’s taste.
