June 17th is National Eat Your Vegetables Day and right in the middle of National Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Month. Now that’s a holiday we can get behind here at incentaHEALTH! Dietary guidelines recommend adults eat 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit per day and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables per day. The majority of adults do not meet that recommendation. Almost 90% of adults don’t eat the recommended amount of vegetables and 80% don’t eat the recommended amount of fruit. So if you feel like you don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables – you’re not alone. Here are a few simple ways you can celebrate National Eat Your Vegetables Day, and hopefully start incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your daily diet.
Head to Your Local Farmers Market
Farmer’s Markets are full of fresh and nutritious offerings and it’s a great way to show support for your local community. You can try something new that you maybe haven’t seen in a grocery store and can personally talk to the vendors about exactly how it was grown and where it came from. Best of all, the food typically seen at farmers markets are usually in the peak of its season and therefore packed with even more nutrition!
Eat From Each Color of the Rainbow
Every color category has an added benefit to it such as:
Instead of trying to count the number of daily servings or helpings, aim for eating something out of each color group. This is a fun way to engage kids as well as a twist on the traditional way of thinking about eating more vegetables.
Try Something New
Salads and smoothies are not the only way to add more vegetables into your diet. Whether you are just experiementing to see what you like or trying a healthier take on a not so healthy recipe, your tastebuds are constantly contstantly changing and ready for something new. Try grilling vegetables such as cabbage or zuccini or making an avocado, corn and tomato salad instead of the traditional heavier potato salad side dish. The possibilities are endless with vegetables!
Plant a Garden
What says summer more than getting the chance to grow and eat something you grew with your own hands! Planting a garden can not only provide tasty produce, but it can also improve your health, save money and even boost your mood. Try growing some tomatoes, carrots or even some fresh herbs to help spice up the flavor in your foods.