You can do it! 5-a-day!!!!

Did you know that we are supposed to eat 5 fruits and veggies a day? The preferred breakdown is 3 vegs and 2 fruits. However, only 25% of Americans eat the recommended 5 servings per day from the fruit and vegetable groups. WOAH!

When it comes to fruits and veggies, more is more!! There are a few reasons why people may not be getting their 5-a-day.

"I don't like the taste of vegetables!"

Alot of people have only been exposed to a few common fruits and veggies. Branch out! Keep your eyes open in the produce section, don't have tunnel vision for the same fruits&vegs you always buy. You might find that you like some unexpected things.

Nothing tastes as bad as being sick feels! Make yourself try something several times before you rule it out permanently. Experts say that sometimes you have to introduce a food 7 or 8 times to a child before they will eat it. Use that kind of persistence with yourself.

(Are you kidding me?! I wouldn't eat that either!!)

The above picture is why we overload on meat, cheese, and dairy. Eww. Learn how to prepare delicious fruits and vegetables. This is a huge key to eating 5-a-day. Fruits don't need as much help to be appealing, but invest some time in learning to make delicious veggies. You don't have to eat vegetables one type at a time, warmed up and sprinkled with salt. I have found so many amazing recipes online that call for all sorts of veggies partying together in one dish.

*Hot. Cold. Made into soups. Spicy. Stir fried. crunchy. creamy. baked.*

 The options are limitless. Once you find a few recipes you enjoy, you really won't mind eating a few more veggies. I find food blogs are my favorite recipe resources because they show you pictures and have great step-by-step instructions.

Eating too much of the other stuff...

Look at your plate. If it is completely covered in meat and cheese-covered-starch, and your broccoli looks like a charming little garnish then you aren't giving your body the nutrients it needs. We obviously don't have a problem getting our meat, dairy, and starches in! But the more we eat of these, the less we eat of fruits and veggies. MyPlate is an excellent resource for showing us how our meals should look.

You are going to eat what you have on hand so watch what you buy! Make it easy to succeed in getting your 5-a-day, surround yourself with healthy options.