Eat Your Veggies!!!!

Eat Your Veggies!!!

If you were ever a child you probably had an adult utter these words in your direction a time or two.  Even with some years to wise up it still is sometimes difficult to get yourself to make healthy choices.  But fruits and vegetables are a must in everyone’s diet, and heres why…..They are packed with fiber, vitamins, and photochemicals.  Not to mention they are extremely convenient and add variety to your meals.  Fruits and vegetables are naturally low in calories too.  Even with all these perks it is sometimes difficult to make good choices.  But now that your grown you should start taking your parents advice.  You will feel better and consume less calories throughout the day.

Here are few ways that you can make it easier.  First things first, go to the grocery store and stock up on fruits and vegetables that you enjoy.  Try to get those that you don’t like or haven’t tasted in while too.  Your tastes may have changed or you just didn’t like the way that they were prepared last time.  Immediately when you get home from the grocery store wash and do some prep work.  You may have good intentions now, but when you get hungry you often go for things that are easy.  It will be much easier to stick to your guns and avoid those super convenient(not to mention,high fat & high sodium) potato chips when those celery sticks are already washed, cut and waiting for you in the fridge.

Another way to get more fruits and vegetables into your day is to add them to foods that you are already eating.  Next time you make Jello try adding some canned fruit(get the kind with no added sugar).  When you make tomato sauce add some extra veggies.  Put some carrots and zucchini in the food processor and add it to the sauce.  The extra veggies will help fill you up so you don’t load up on pasta.  Another pasta idea is to substitute your pasta for spaghetti squash.  Just put it in the oven and bake until the squash becomes soft.  Pull it apart with two forks and serve the sauce on top.  Or if you don’t feel like doing dishes……just pour the sauce in the squash and eat with a fork.

Try eating fruits and vegetables as snacks.  Apple slices in peanut butter or yogurt is a yummy serving suggestion.  Put some dried fruit, such as cranberries or blueberries in your purse or backpack.  Next time you are stuck at the airport or don’t get time for lunch you’ll thank me, plus you will be one step closer to your five servings!

Take these tips and start making adult decisions. Then call your Mom to brag!