We could all add more fruits and vegetables to our diets so why not use National Fruit and Vegetable Month as an excuse to do so? Unlike other foods, fruits and vegetables contain all of the nutrients that the human body requires.
Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals and fibers, contain disease-fighting phytochemicals, protect our health and accommodate weight management.
If that's not enough, fruits and vegetables provide convenient snacking options which is essential these days with our busy lives.
Whether it's an apple, some celery, carrots or a peach a fruit or veggie snack will appease both the taste buds and the appetite.
That said, use this occasion to jump start your mission for nutritional success! Use this occasion to make up for lost time not eating enough fruits and veggies or to encourage your children to eat more of them.
There are many ways to celebrate this nationally celebrated event and to get the festivities started below are several ideas that you may want to try.
* Plant a small garden: If you haven't already, June is the perfect month to start a small vegetable garden.
You don't need a large backyard.
In fact, you don't need a backyard at all.
There are several small vegetables that can be grown right in a moderately-sized plant pot.
So go ahead, and start an herb garden to add some flair to those summer dishes.
Or add some vibrant colors to your salads with some carrots, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes and spinach from your garden.
* Visit a local Farmer's Market or a farmer's roadside stand: Buying fruits and vegetables locally grown is not only better for the environment but you will taste the difference and get more of the nutrients from the fruits and vegetables due to the reduction in travel and storage time.
More than that, your local farmers will thank you for the support.
You may even realize some cost savings by purchasing the fruits and veggies right from the source.
* Have a picnic: Chop up some mango, pineapple and kiwi fruit, then throw in some blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries for a tasty, summer-licous fruit salad!! Pack it up in a picnic basket and head out to the park and enjoy! * Visit a farm: June is the perfect month for heading out to a farm and picking some fresh asparagus, carrots, lettuce, radishes, scallions, spinach, or strawberries!! So get the kids in the car and make a day of it.
It'll be fun and a great opportunity for the children to learn about the world of agricultural farming, health and nutrition.
* Host a Fruit and Veggie Fest: Chopped, grilled, stir-fried or sauteed your guests and their bodies will thank you immensely for a mineral and nutrient-filled feast such as this.
Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals and fibers, contain disease-fighting phytochemicals, protect our health and accommodate weight management.
If that's not enough, fruits and vegetables provide convenient snacking options which is essential these days with our busy lives.
Whether it's an apple, some celery, carrots or a peach a fruit or veggie snack will appease both the taste buds and the appetite.
That said, use this occasion to jump start your mission for nutritional success! Use this occasion to make up for lost time not eating enough fruits and veggies or to encourage your children to eat more of them.
There are many ways to celebrate this nationally celebrated event and to get the festivities started below are several ideas that you may want to try.
* Plant a small garden: If you haven't already, June is the perfect month to start a small vegetable garden.
You don't need a large backyard.
In fact, you don't need a backyard at all.
There are several small vegetables that can be grown right in a moderately-sized plant pot.
So go ahead, and start an herb garden to add some flair to those summer dishes.
Or add some vibrant colors to your salads with some carrots, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes and spinach from your garden.
* Visit a local Farmer's Market or a farmer's roadside stand: Buying fruits and vegetables locally grown is not only better for the environment but you will taste the difference and get more of the nutrients from the fruits and vegetables due to the reduction in travel and storage time.
More than that, your local farmers will thank you for the support.
You may even realize some cost savings by purchasing the fruits and veggies right from the source.
* Have a picnic: Chop up some mango, pineapple and kiwi fruit, then throw in some blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries for a tasty, summer-licous fruit salad!! Pack it up in a picnic basket and head out to the park and enjoy! * Visit a farm: June is the perfect month for heading out to a farm and picking some fresh asparagus, carrots, lettuce, radishes, scallions, spinach, or strawberries!! So get the kids in the car and make a day of it.
It'll be fun and a great opportunity for the children to learn about the world of agricultural farming, health and nutrition.
* Host a Fruit and Veggie Fest: Chopped, grilled, stir-fried or sauteed your guests and their bodies will thank you immensely for a mineral and nutrient-filled feast such as this.