As the beautiful season of summer arrives, it's high season for fresh fruits and vegetables which are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber!
Most Americans do not eat enough fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Below are suggestions to get more of that healthy, delicious food onto your table:
1. Buy the best quality produce you can afford, meaning the freshest and, if possible, organic. Shop the farmers market, CSAs, or the local produce stand.
2. Wash and prepare your produce as soon as you bring it home. Wash all produce in a water and vinegar mixture, slice as needed, and store in glass (not plastic) containers in your frig (tomatoes, potatoes, onions and bananas should be stored on the counter or in the cool of your basement).
3. Store your produce where you can see it. If you see it, you're more likely to use and eat it! I keep a large clear, covered container full of fresh sliced veggies at eye level in my frig so it's easy to grab a snack or use it to finish out a salad!
4. Add greens to your smoothie. If you normally make fruit smoothies, start slowly and add about a cup of kale or spinach to your smoothie. As you get used to the "green" flavor, use less fruit and more greens. Power up!
5. Cauliflower is an amazing substitute for so many things! I've tried cauliflower pizza crust, "tator" tots, rice, mashed, etc.
Even if you're not a veggie lover, think of them as fueling your body with the nutrients it needs. The more you eat, the more your body will crave them and you WILL feel better for it!