Eating fruits and vegetables every day is one of the best things you can do for your body. They are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and water. These things help you stay healthy, feel better, and even prevent some serious diseases.
Why Are Fruits and Vegetables Important?
Fruits and vegetables help:
- Keep your heart healthy
- Lower your chance of having a stroke or some types of cancer
- Improve digestion and help you go to the bathroom more easily
- Keep you full longer, which helps with weight control
- Hydrate your body
As you get older, these benefits become even more important!
Tips for Getting Kids to Eat More Fruits and Veggies
Getting kids to eat fruits and vegetables can be tough. But don’t give up! Try these simple ideas:
- Offer foods again and again: It may take up to 10 tries before a child learns to like something new.
- Start small: For toddlers, give 1 tablespoon per year of age (example: 2 tablespoons for a 2-year-old).
- Eat with them: Kids are more likely to try a new food if they see you eating it too.
- Make it fun:
- Let kids pick out a fruit or veggie at the grocery store.
- Ask them to help in the kitchen—tearing lettuce, placing carrots on a plate, or stirring batter.
- Keep meals simple: Don’t worry about making every dinner perfect. Just keep trying!
What Fruits and Vegetables Are Best?
All of them! You don’t need to pick just one or two “superfoods.” The best choice is to eat a variety of colors and types. Different fruits and veggies give your body different vitamins and minerals, so mixing them up helps you get everything you need.
Getting More Fruits and Veggies in Your Diet
Kids aren’t the only ones who avoid fruits and vegetables—plenty of adults do too. Here’s why you should still try to add more to your meals:
- Health benefits: Eating more fruits and veggies can lower your risk for disease and help your digestion.
- Tastes change: You may not have liked a food at age 20, but your taste buds might enjoy it at 40!
- You’re in control: You can cook and season your food how you like it. Try:
- Roasting, steaming, or grilling veggies
- Adding vegetables to pasta sauces or soups
- Using dips, dressings, or spices to boost flavor
It’s never too late to start eating more fruits and vegetables. Whether you’re cooking for a family or just for yourself, keep trying new things and mix it up. Even small changes can make a big difference in how you feel.