If you’re looking to eat more fruits and vegetables…
Keep frozen fruits and vegetables in your freezer. Frozen fruits and vegetables are harvested and flash frozen at peak freshness and nutrients, making them just as healthy as the fresh alternative. Plus, they usually offer a longer shelf life than fresh fruits and vegetables!
Frozen vegetables are an easy, time-saving addition to any meal and can be incorporated into stir fries, soups, and other meals just like fresh, raw vegetables. Frozen fruits can easily be thawed under refrigeration and added to salads, yogurts, and oatmeal or kept frozen and added to smoothies or used in baking.
If you’re looking to cut back on sugar-filled sodas and juices…
Try sparkling water or plain water that is infused with fruits. Drinking fruit infused water is an easy and delicious way to stay hydrated without increasing your sugar and caloric intake. Simply add 2-3 slices of any citrus to your glass of water or combine a variety of fruits, such as lemons and blueberries or limes and raspberries, together to create tasty, naturally sweet beverages to sip on throughout the day.
If you’re looking to lose some weight…
Don’t skip breakfast! Eating breakfast jump-starts your metabolism, helping you burn calories throughout the day instead of conserving them. It will also help improve energy, concentration, and memory, making it incredibly important for children. Plus, eating a healthy, balanced breakfast means you are less likely to snack on less nutritious foods throughout the day.
For a simple, healthy breakfast, try a low-sugar whole grain cereal, breakfast smoothie, or plain Greek or low-sugar yogurt topped with fruit and granola.
If you’re looking to increase your fiber…
Eat more whole grains. A high fiber diet may help prevent cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as help promote good digestive health. Instead of refined white grains, try making the simple switch to whole grain pastas, rice, and bread to increase your fiber intake. Quinoa is also a great source of fiber that is quick to cook and makes a great foundation for many entrees, such as burrito bowls or a simple chicken and vegetable medley.
If you’re looking to avoid sugar-filled desserts…
Increase your whole fruits intake. Baked goods and other desserts provide very little nutritional value and are loaded with sugar. This causes blood sugar spikes, which leaves you feeling sluggish and hungry for more sugar filled foods. A fruit’s natural sweetness can help curb your sweet tooth and help you stay away from added sugars that are common in processed foods. Eating whole fruits, despite their natural sugar content, has been linked to a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.