Get Your Plate in Shape: Simple Tips for Incorporating More Fruits & Vegetables

Written by Jennifer Abell
Part of National Nutrition Month 2012

According the USDA My Plate recommendations, the average adult should incorporate 2 cups of fruit and 2-3 cups of vegetables into their daily diet.  The nutrients contained in fruits and vegetables can boost your metabolism, immune system, and energy.  Finding ways to cram 3 cups of vegetables into your day can be an intimidating and seemingly impossible task.  They key is finding ways to incorporate vegetables into your daily diet and routine.  As you go through your typical day, think about ways to add a little vegetable boost to your diet and get your plate in shape.

• Breakfast: Why not throw some bell peppers and tomatoes in your morning omelet? Throw that yogurt you eat with breakfast into a blender and add some frozen fruit!
• Morning Snack: Grab an orange or a Banana on your way out the door and throw it your bag for that mid-morning hunger!
• Lunch:  Double the lettuce and tomato on your BLT
• Afternoon Snack: Instead of cheese and crackers, try grabbing some celery or carrot sticks and hummus
• Dinner: Double your veggies! Whether it’s a stew, chili, sauce, soup, or casserole simple double the vegetables called for in the recipe

References

Why is it imporant to eat fruit? (2012). Retrieved from http://www.choosemyplate.gov.

Plumandjello (Photographer).  (2006).  Fruit [Photograph]. Retrieved from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/plumandjello/2333263539/

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