Are you eating your fruits and veggies?

As you work toward losing fat and gaining muscle, fruits and veggies should be a huge part of your daily diet. For most of us however, we don’t get near the amounts of fruits and veggies that we need, because there are so many other “convenient” foods that make it to our mouths first. Well, it’s time to change that. 

Here are some tips and ideas that will make getting more fruits and veggies into your diet much easier:

1.     When you get home from the grocery store, BEFORE you even put your veggies in the fridge, put them in your sink to soak. Once they are clean, cut them into smaller convenient sized pieces. Put them in CLEAR containers in your fridge so you will see them and notice them every time you open up the door, looking for a snack. (This way, they will not be forgotten and end up spoiling.) Some of the most flavorful raw veggies in my opinion are red, yellow and green peppers. And best of all, they are PACKED with nutrients!  Whatever veggies you choose to eat though, try to consciously notice the clean, simple flavor of it and appreciate what it does for your body both inside and out.

2.     Fruits are naturally sweet and refreshing so when you are really in the mood for a sugary treat, try eating fruit instead. Adding some raspberries, strawberries or cut up apples to some low-fat vanilla yogurt is a great way to get a serving of fruit along with some calcium and protein. Plus, it will satisfy your craving for something sweet and tasty!

3.     Apples, oranges, bananas, peaches, etc. are all conveniently grown in perfect portion sizes. They don’t require utensils to be eaten, and can be toted around very easily. Get in the habit of taking a fruit with you when you’ll be out for a few hours. Whether your going out shopping, running a billion errands or heading to the park with your kids…take some fruit along with you. This will be a great cure for those little hunger pangs that might creep up on you and will satisfy your body nutritiously as well.

Do your best to get more fruits and veggies into your diet! Doing so will help you in numerous ways – including reaching your physical fitness goals and helping you feel more energetic in your daily activities.