We all know we should eat more fruits and vegetables, but for a multitude of reasons they’re not always the easiest foods to add to your diet. That’s why we’ve put together a list of ways to easily add more fruits and veggies to your meals. They include:
- Smoothies
- Soups and Stews
- Snacks
- Salads
- Added To Other Food
In the rest of the article, we’ll go in depth with recipe ideas and suggestions. So, what are we waiting for? Get ready to take some notes and let’s get started!
5 Ways To Eat More Fruits And Veggies
Smoothies
Try making smoothies a few mornings every week. It’s a great way to consume more fresh fruits and vegetables, in addition to boosting your hydration. Try going super-simple with smoothies made from just four or five fruits and veggies and nothing else, or amp up the protein with yogurt or nut butter. And don’t be afraid of unusual ingredients like parsley or ashwagandha!
Soups and Stews
If smoothies are just not as appealing when it’s cold out, soups and stews are the perfect way to warm up while still eating enough vegetables. Go simple by chopping up leftover veggies and cooking them with broth or miso. Or, you can make something heartier by crafting a stew with starchy veggies like potatoes and carrots, and chunks of meat or tempeh.
Snacks
Make fruits and veggies a simple snack option by storing them pre-sliced and in small, easy-to-grab containers. Dress them up with a spread like hummus, nut butter, or ranch, or sprinkle on cinnamon, chia seeds, or another topping. You can also make it easy for yourself by slicing apples or separating oranges and packing them in containers ahead of time.
Salads
Salads don’t have to be boring! If you’re not a big fan of lettuce, try using kale, spinach, arugula, or another leafy green as the base. You also don’t have to stay confined to raw vegetables – you could saute mushrooms and carrots, or even wilt the greens for a different experience. And don’t be shy about toppings – croutons are a classic choice, but sesame or chia seeds, cheese, or hard boiled egg are great options, too.
Added To Other Food
Finally, adding fruits and veggies to something you were already planning to eat is a good way to add more nutrients to your diet. Toss some berries or sliced apples or bananas into your cereal, or put some extra veggies on a sandwich. Even just a little bit of fruits and veggies each day can make a big difference!
Making changes to your diet can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Just choose one or two of these suggestions and try implementing it for one week as a trial run. You may be surprised at how easy it really is, and your body will thank you!