Fruits are your friends

Did you know that, according to the Harvard School of Public Health, the average American consumes just 3 servings of fruits and vegetables per day? I think that's being generous too! The intake of fruits and vegetables is the most important factor in reducing the likelihood of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Here are some simple ways to add more fruits and veggies into your diet:

1. Top your cereal or oatmeal with berries and include another fruit (like kiwi or grapefruit) on the side.

2. For your mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack, include some type of fruit along with a protein source. For example, have an apple with a handful of cashews or have a banana with peanut butter (yum!).

3. If you make your own salad at lunch, top it with additional veggies like bell peppers and cucumbers.

4. Always include a vegetable with your dinner. Make it green when you can, but veggies such as carrots will do as well. At our house, we are so used to having green vegetables on our plates at dinner that it seems weird even with we do have those orange carrots!

5. When possible, get a side of veggies when you are out for dinner. I know, I know... fries are so yummy when you are out at a restaurant. I'm not saying don't ever get fries (sweet potato are my favorite!). But you'd be amazed at some of the good, fresh options available when it comes to sides of veggies like broccoli, asparagus, and grilled zucchini.

So evaluate your intake of these foods that nature is giving us. Keep track of how much produce you consume in a week and then go ahead and add more. Unlike the processed junk that fills our grocery stores, your body knows exactly what to do with fruits and veggies and you will feel better because of it!