Veggie-fy Your Diet!

It’s the age-old mother’s advice – eat your veggies! And even though we know she’s right, the food choices that prevail in our society certainly don’t include a lot of fresh produce. But move over, burgers and fries – in today’s wellness tip, I’ll give you some ways that even picky eaters can include more fruits and vegetables in their daily meals!

We were made to eat plants. Our bodies are uniquely designed to digest and use the nutrients found in fresh fruits and vegetables. They supply essential nutrients that work together with our bodies for optimal health. They slow down cellular aging and help to prevent disease. When we eat more vegetables, we receive vital nutrients that help us adapt to stress, and help protect us from arthritis, heart disease, stroke, dementia, and cancer!

But many of us have had our taste buds hijacked by highly processed, sugar-and-salt filled fast food and convenience products – so fresh produce isn’t something that we’re used to eating on a regular basis! How can we start to re-introduce these foods that are so vital for our health?

First, start with what you KNOW. What fruits and veggies do you already like? Start making a point to include at least one fruit and one fresh vegetable each day – then try to increase the variety little by little. Extra lettuce and tomato on a hamburger; an apple with almond butter for a snack; or a side salad with your dinner are all ways you can simply add to your daily dose of produce.

Remember, that some vegetables can be disguised in meals! Grate carrots or zucchini into soups or stews, mash white beans into ground beef, or blend vegetables and add to tomato sauce and Italian seasonings to make a pasta sauce.

One of the easiest ways to get more produce in is to blend them into smoothies. Add some fruits, vegetables and nuts in a blender with almond milk, plain Greek yogurt or juice to create a thick, creamy treat.

But planning in advance really is key. If you spend a little time each week cutting carrots, celery and other veggies, and prepping foods like cherry tomatoes, grapes or oranges into easy, ready-to-go snacks, then you’ll be more likely to eat more of the foods that are good for you!

Thanks for tuning in to Wellness with Wendy! I’m a certified holistic nutritionist, a mom, an entertainer and a radio personality – so finding balance is the key to my life. I love sharing tips and tricks to help you live your best life – so for more health and wellness news and advice, follow my blog on mybighornbasin.com. See you again next time for Wellness with Wendy!