Are you constantly finding it hard to get started with your diet? Maybe you’re having trouble getting your children to eat more fruits or vegetables because they simply don’t like the taste. There are a few things that you can do to make sure that your family is getting the nutrition that they need. Produce is a huge part of a healthy diet, and it’s recommended that you should consume between five and thirteen servings of fruit or vegetables a day! Here are some quick and easy tips to help get you and your family started in improving your diets.
Try to plan your meals before you eat them. It’s really easy to grab something convenient for you and the kids from a fast food restaurant or even to just eat a handful of chips from the cupboard. Take the time to really plan how you’re going to incorporate the desired food into your diet. Try filling half of your plate with an assortment of fruits or vegetables. Make sure that there are a variety of colors to be offered because each one will offer a different nutrient! If you do plan on eating out, then try to ask for a salad as a side as opposed to those fries you were going to get. There are many places that offer fruits as a side, even for the kids!
Choose healthier snacks. We know that it’s common practice to reach for the chips when we think of a snack, but instead try to pick up some fruit! Fresh fruits or canned fruits in their own juices make for the perfect snack and also provide their own natural sugars and nutrients, so you won’t end up feeling as sluggish as you would after eating a bowl full of chips or a few cookies. Try having some vegetable sticks with a spoonful of hummus to top it off. Not only is it healthy, but it’s also a delicious treat!
Include easy side dishes. Keep your vegetables on hand for last minute side dishes. There are so many options that you can choose from. Roasting, grilling, boiling and there are plenty of recipes that your children are sure to love if they’re picky eaters. Keep cut-up greens and vegetables to make a colorful salad for lunch or to use as a side dish. A personal favorite is always the stir fried option. Who says that health and flavor can’t go hand in hand?
Sneak that produce into everyday dishes. Berries are the perfect topping for parfait and yogurt. It can be the difference between a somewhat healthy dish to one that’s packed with nutrients. Try making some
