Simple Ways to Add More Health to Your Diet
Eating enough fruits and vegetables is vital for good health, but most Americans are falling short. According to health.gov, only about one in four Americans eats the recommended amount of produce. In addition, many consume too much added sugar, sodium, and saturated fat. Making small changes can help increase fruit and veggie intake for better health and wellness.
Starting the day with fruit is an easy way to boost daily consumption. Fresh seasonal fruits are refreshing and delicious first thing in the morning. Simply adding some berries, banana slices, or citrus wedges to one’s regular breakfast is a great idea. For an even more nutritious start, enjoy a fruit-based breakfast — think smoothies or fruit salads.
When cravings strike, reach for fruit instead of sugary snacks. Fruit provides natural sweetness along with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Satisfy the sweet tooth with in-season produce. They often taste better and cost a lot less. Berries, bananas, apples and other produce varieties are available year-round in most places.
Blending or juicing fruit and vegetables allow the consumption of multiple servings at once. Focus on creating smooth textures to retain beneficial fiber. I make sure to sip juices or smoothies slowly to give my body time to fully absorb all the goodness. Guzzling smoothies can bypass the body’s mechanical digestion process and decrease the assimilation of important nutrients — defeating the whole point.
Make the most of ripe bananas. When bananas become speckled and soft, use them immediately or peel the skin and store them in the freezer. Blend frozen bananas with spring water or coconut water for a creamy, dairy-free “nice cream.” It’s a healthy way to satisfy ice cream and dairy cravings.
With some simple substitutions and adjustments, getting more fruit in your diet is easier than most of us think. The more I’ve incorporated these tips the better my health has gotten. Small changes can make a big difference over time.
Best of health,
Will
