In honor of National Fruits & Vegetables Month, our Community Health Team shared their favorite ways to enjoy produce and their best tips for eating more of it every day. Each of us has our own approach to making fruits and vegetables fun, flavorful, and easy to add to meals. Check out our go-to favorites and strategies for inspiration!
Lauren’s favorite way to eat fruit: A popsicle! I typically blend fruit, Greek yogurt, and maple syrup. Then freeze.
Lauren’s favorite way to eat vegetables: In the summertime, I enjoy them grilled. A weekly veggie sheet pan is my go-to during the wintertime!
Lauren’s strategy to eating more fruits and veggies: What helps me get all my fruits and veggies in is meal prepping. Whether this looks like simply washing the fruit I want to have that week or chopping up vegetables so that they are ready to eat. I also focus on adding color wherever I can!
Lily’s favorite way to eat fruit: On top of yogurt! I usually add a drizzle of honey, peanut butter, cinnamon, and hemp seeds.
Lily’s favorite way to eat vegetables: Stir-fried. It’s a fun and easy way to eat a variety of vegetables instead of just one! I usually add low sodium soy sauce with a drizzle of honey and seasonings. My favorite vegetables to stir fry are onions, peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, and corn!
Lily’s strategy to eating more fruits and veggies: Prepping fruits and vegetables! I like to cut up carrots, peppers, pineapple, and cantaloupe most weeks as grab and go snacks. If there are times when I don’t prep, I try to make smoothies with frozen fruit and kale or spinach for quick nutrients.
Kristyn’s favorite way to eat fruit: I like to keep it simple. No mixing, cooking, or blending for me. Just hand it over, and I’ll gobble it right up!
Kristyn’s favorite way to eat vegetables: I love finding fun little ways to sneak veggies into my dinners! Shredded zucchini in spaghetti sauce! Diced butternut squash in chili! I even toss random veggies into my potato or pasta salads—whatever I’ve got on hand.
Kristyn’s strategy to eating more fruits and veggies: When I notice I’m not eating enough fruits and veggies, I don’t stress—I just start small! I pick one meal each day and make sure it includes at least one fruit or veggie. After a week of building that habit, I focus on adding another serving to a meal. Little steps make a big difference!
Claudia’s favorite way to eat fruit: In a smoothie! I can combine so many different flavors and supply my body with lot of nutrients at the same time. Sometimes, I even like to add vegetables such as avocado or spinach to a smoothie too to make it extra nutritious and tasty.
Claudia’s favorite way to eat vegetables: On the grill in the summer! Some of my favorites are summer squash and eggplant.
Claudia’s strategy to eating more fruits and vegetables: Prepare ahead of time. Clean and slicing fruit or vegetables in advanced can make it simpler to grab in the future. It can save you time which in turn will make the fruit and vegetables more appealing!