Tips for Packing Produce Into Your Life
Why not create your own personal celebration of National Nutrition Month by incorporating more fruits and vegetables in your daily diet? Whether fresh, canned, frozen or dehydrated, fruits and vegetables are low in calories and packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber. Research suggests that eating 5 to 9 servings per day can decrease the risk of some cancers, heart disease, and may help lower blood pressure and contribute to weight loss. Because each fruit or vegetable provides different nutrients, include a variety of choices. Here are a few ideas:
- Create a habit of stocking up on produce at the grocery store. Immediately wash and display fruit on the kitchen counter for snacking. Chop or slice vegetables right after shopping to keep on hand for snacks, salads or stir fries. If produce is ready to use, it is more likely to be eaten!
- Need a snack? Instead of grabbing chips or a candy bar, keep a small package of dried fruit - such as raisins, cranberries, or apricots - in your purse, backpack or briefcase.
- Craving something crunchy? Try carrot sticks and hummus or yogurt dip, or celery sticks and your favorite spicy salsa.
- No time for fruit in the morning? Grab a whole fruit (banana, pear, or apple) to eat on the way to school or work.
- Tired of the same old breakfast? Blend up a quick fruit smoothie with fresh or frozen fruit, yogurt or milk and ice.
- Pack a can of vegetable juice in your lunch.
- Instead of treating your co-workers or your child's class to muffins or cookies, bring in a veggie or fruit platter instead!
- At work, offer fresh fruits and vegetables at meetings or stock a refrigerator with fresh fruit as an alternative to the candy machine.
- When planning luncheons at restaurants or catered events work with the caterer to include fruits and vegetables in the menu.