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SALT LAKE CITY — We all know it's important to eat fruits and vegetables every day, but it can sometimes be difficult to fit them into our daily diet.
Since eating the right amount of fruits and vegetables each day can be a struggle, here are a few tips to help make it a little easier.
Make it convenient
The best way I have found for increasing my fruit and vegetable intake is to make it more convenient. Prepare your vegetables ahead of time by washing and cutting them. Once they are cut and ready to go, place them in individual baggies for an easy on-the-go item for work or school.
If you're trying to encourage yourself or your family to eat more vegetables while at home, consider buying a reusable vegetable tray to keep cut and washed vegetables in the fridge for easy snacking or a quick meal side.
Many fruits, like apples, bananas, peaches, nectarines and pears can be stored on the counter for easy access throughout the day. Also, cutting melons ahead of time and placing the pieces in a bowl in the fridge is another easy and convenient way to add fruit to your diet. If you're short on time or don't want to cut your own fruits and vegetables, many stores provide pre-cut fruits and vegetables for your convenience.
Cook with it
Adding vegetables as a side dish to dinner is an easy way to increase your vegetable intake.
The easiest way I have found to cook vegetables as a side dish is to roast them. Simply layer a variety of vegetables on a cookie tray and sprinkle with salt, pepper and olive oil. Then bake in the oven for 20 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit or until the vegetables are tender.
Another simple way to add vegetables is to put some mixed frozen vegetables into a pot while making instant ramen noodles. Adding fruit to oatmeal or cereal, like Cheerios, is also a great way to add flavor to these dishes while also increasing your daily fruit intake.
Eat a variety
Sometimes we can get caught up in eating the same vegetables or fruits. There are so many different fruits and vegetables, so don't limit yourself to just a few. Eating a wide variety is also beneficial for your health. As a general rule, vegetables of the same color have similar health benefits. Eating a variety of colors, when it comes to both fruits and vegetables is best.
Editor's Note: Anything in this article is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended, nor should it be interpreted, to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition; Any opinions, statements, services, offers, or other information or content expressed or made available are those of the respective author(s) or distributor(s) and not of KSL. KSL does not endorse nor is it responsible for the accuracy or reliability of any opinion, information, or statement made in this article. KSL expressly disclaims all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on the content of this article.
