15 Easy Ways to Add Fruits and Vegetables

Diets are tricky. Every month, it seems like there is a new diet out there for you to try. Maybe you’ve heard of Paleo, Zone, Keto, Macro counting, Carnivore, Adkins, South Beach . . . the list is endless. But, how do you know which one is THE BEST?

Fruits and Vegetables, a Constant

Each diet has its purpose and philosophy. One stable throughout all the years, however, is that any healthy diets needs fruits and veggies. Why? One primary reason is the presence of micro nutrients. There is no better natural source for vitamins and minerals than fruits and veggies. We are talking about Vitamin A, C, and E, magnesium, zinc, phosphorous, folic acid, potassium, even calcium. Vitamin C is great for your eyes and your immune system and comes from oranges and carrots. Potassium is one of the most important micronutrients and can be found in bananas, sweet potatoes, and prunes.

15 Ways to Add Fruits and Vegetables

However, some people just don’t love raw fruits and veggies. Others need to mask them in other dishes. We understand. Everyone has their preferences and tastes. So, here are fifteen easy ways to sneaks in some healthy fruits and veggies:

1. Fruit smoothies and juicing 
2. Baked white or sweet potato with vegetable toppings such as beans, salsa, and broccoli​
3. Precut vegetables dipped in salad dressing or hummus 
4. Apple, banana, or celery with peanut butter or other nut butter
5. Soups with vegetables and/or legumes
6. One-pot entrees with vegetables included such as casseroles, stir fries, pasta, and stews 
7. A lettuce-or spinach-based salad 
8. A lettuce-or spinach-based main slad with added chicken, tuna, salmon, bacon, steak​​​​, or beans
9. A lettuce-free salad side dish (see our suggest in Wednesday’s email) 
10. Fresh vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower, steamed or microwaved, flavored with cheese, butter, salt, and/or other seasonings 
11. Add vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and corn to a burrito, taco, or taco salad 
12. Add vegetables to entrees such as sandwiches, wraps, pizza, and omelets
13. Add salsa to anything 
14. Add frozen spinach to scrambled eggs, omelets, or quiches 
15. Add vegetables into a pasta, rice, or quinoa salad