Fresh Fruit

In spite of the health benefits of fresh produce

• Serve fruits and vegetables at every meal. The more you make fruits and vegetable available to your family at meal times, the more likely you are to eat them. Consider replacing a less healthy side dish with a salad or sliced fruit. Add fresh-cut vegetables, such as zucchini, carrots or spinach to pasta sauces and soups. Add vegetables to sandwiches. In addition to lettuce and tomatoes, try sliced cucumbers, bell peppers or avocados.

• Give your family a choice. The wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available guarantees that there is something for everyone! Take kids to the grocery store or farmer’s market and let them pick out new fruits or vegetables to try. Make a goal to eat all the colors of the rainbow each week; colorful beets, carrots, mangos, kale and blueberries add excitement to meals.

• Plan ahead before shopping. Make a shopping list before you head to the grocery store to avoid impulse purchases and to help you select fresh, healthy produce. Fresh fruits and vegetables are often less expensive than chips, cookies and other impulse items. So, you will save money and eat healthy!

• Source: Fresh Way Food