| Fitting In Fruits and Vegetables…yes, it is possible |
| |
 |
We all know the statistics suggesting that Americans don't eat enough antioxidant rich fresh fruits and vegetables. This is unfortunate since a diet rich in fruits and vegetables has been shown to protect against a diverse array of diseases including several forms of cancer and heart disease. Fresh fruits and vegetables also play a role in slowing down the aging process. |
If fresh fruits and vegetables so good for us, why aren't we eating more of them? We’re living increasingly busy lives which leaves us little time to sit down and eat a healthy meal. Plus, many Americans admit to not enjoying the taste of vegetables. Remember President Bush and his strong aversion to broccoli? |
|
| Fortunately, there are ways to painlessly add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet: |
| |
| 1. When you grab a sandwich or burger on the run, tell them to add extra lettuce and tomato to your sandwich. Request a side salad in place of the high calorie french fries. |
| |
| 2. Cut up an array of fresh fruits and vegetables in the morning such as carrots, celery, and cucumber slices. Take them to work with you along with a container of low fat dip for a quick snack. Be sure to keep the dip refrigerated until you're ready to use it. |
| |
| 3. If you don't have time to eat your vegetables, drink a quick serving size can of vegetable juice everyday with your meal. Drink fresh fruit or vegetable juice as a fast and nutritious pick me up during break time Another option is to get a juicer and make your own fresh fruit and vegetable juices. |
| |
| 4. Add some fresh fruit to a small container of low fat yogurt for a healthy and nutritious snack. |
| |
| 5. Want a healthy dessert? Place seedless grapes in the freezer as a popsicle substitute. You can also buy popsicle molds and make your own popsicles out of fruits that have been pureed in the blender. |
| |
| 6. Add fresh fruit to your cereal or oatmeal in the morning. Blueberries, strawberries, and bananas all taste wonderful in breakfast cereal. |
| |
| 7. Instead of eating plain eggs in the morning, add spinach, tomatoes, and chopped vegetables to create a antioxidant rich omelet. |
| |
| 8. For a quick pick me up, blend fresh fruits with a little low fat milk in your blender to create a delicious smoothie. |
| |
| 9. When you go to a restaurant, substitute the vegetable of the day for the starch served with most entrees. |
| |
| 10. Substitute fruit juice in place of your daily soft drinks. |
| |
| 11. Instead of eating a calorie laden dessert, prepare a bowl of fresh berries and top it off with a dollop of fat free whipped topping. |
| |
| 12. Substitute a veggie burger for your usual hamburger. Be sure to add lots of lettuce, tomato, and sprouts. |
| |
| Give some of these suggestions for adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet a try. Including more fruits and vegetables to your meals will not only add a unique taste but will give you all of those wonderful health benefits. What could be better than that? |
| |
| For more Healthy Eating and Meal Ideas sure to help you keep your weight under control and your tummy happy too…Click Here. |