Ten Ways to Add Summer Produce to Your Plate

Summer produce abounds. This is a great time of year to expand your fruit and vegetable repertoire. Visit the Market House and pick up some fresh veggies, pick up a new kind of fruit at the supermarket that you’ve never eaten before. Do not be afraid.

Fruits and vegetables are an important part of your daily diet. They provide essential vitamins and also fiber to keep your gut healthy. Fruits and vegetables can help people with diabetes control blood sugar and help lower blood cholesterol. They help those who are on a weight loss program lose weight, and they help anyone who is at a healthy weight, stay there.

There is no such thing as a ‘balanced diet’ without fruits and vegetables. Raw or cooked, they are all good, so if you are interested in improving your health, make an effort to add more of them to your diet. This does not mean that a healthy diet is only composed of fruits and vegetables; but that they are part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Set some goals for yourself. If you are a “banana person”, make an effort to add another fruit to your day. If you only eat raw carrots, take a dare to try some vegetables on your pizza the next time you order out. Better yet, make your own veggie pizza at home and you will really be surprised at how much you love the flavors. Think about how you can add more vegetables to foods or dishes you already favor.

Try these strategies to kick up your daily produce intake:

Slice a fresh peach into your morning cereal, or onto a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an evening treat.

Wash three pieces of fruit in the morning and put them somewhere that will get your attention. Set a goal to eat them by the end of the day.

Pack a small apple in your briefcase or car. Munch on it when hunger strikes mid-day.

Blend some fresh blueberries with low fat vanilla yogurt in the morning for a quick and healthy smoothie.