3 Steps to Help You Eat 5 Servings of Fruits and Veggies a Day

It is back-to-school time or back to work time. This time of year usual means an adjustment to new school schedules, holidays, tailgating, and can be filled with more extracurricular activities for families with children. In any of these cases, eating healthy during this busy season means incorporating healthy options at school, work, or parties. This takes some planning but can pays off in health benefits. Here are some tips for reaching your "5-a-Day" Goal of eating five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

3 Steps to Help You Eat 5 Servings of Fruits and Veggies a Day

1) Purchase Produce
Keep your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer stocked with healthy choices. 

2) Prep your Produce
I prepare my produce on the weekends if I am being super organized and productive. When I have prepped my produce, it is convenient to use for meals or as a quick snack.

3) Pack your Produce
You've purchased and prepped your produce, so it's easy to grab and go! Aim to include  a variety of food groups in your lunch: protein. Choose a grain, a protein source, a fruit, a vegetable, and/or a dairy product.

Benefits of Produce

        Choose fresh, frozen, pre-portioned, canned (in it’s own juice for fruits or with "no added salt" for vegetables). Vegetables, like bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, and cucumbers, add color, micronutrients, fiber, and crunch to your lunch. Fruits add color, micronutrients like folic acid and vitamin C, fiber, and can help satisfy a sweet tooth. Enjoy!

I hope you are encouraged to try to incorporate five serving of fruits and vegetables into your diet. Have you ever met the "5 a Day" Challenge? 

For more tips and encouragement for healthy eating, follow RDtipoftheday to Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.