How to eat more fruit and vegetables: Expert explains simple trick to a more nutritious diet

With summer here and the temperatures soaring, many people will be looking for lighter, healthier food options. But it’s not just a tasty alternative to heavier, fatty meals, changing your diet could have huge health benefits.

Everyone knows that fruit and vegetables are the cornerstone of a healthy diet but incorporating fresh foods into a busy schedule can be difficult. However it is increasingly important, with a growing number of people suffering from cardiovascular issues.

A study from the International Journal of Epidemiology found that people who eat six servings (or 18 ounces) of fruits and veggies a day were up to 16% less likely to die from coronary heart disease. Dr. Cheryl Marsland, U.S. Space Force consultant dietitian, explained: “The strongest evidence for the benefits of fruits and vegetables is regarding the prevention of cardiovascular disease.”

But how can you incorporate more of the good stuff? Marsland is a proponent of ‘eating the rainbow’, which means trying to eat fruit and vegetables of differing colors because they usually provide different nutrients.

If you’re not used to consuming fruit and vegetables regularly, experts recommend keeping healthy snacks close at hand throughout the day. This could mean keeping a well-stocked fruit bowl in a visible place in your house or at the office.

Likewise, pre-cutting vegetables can turn them into convenient, healthy snacks. If you have ready-to-go vegetables in clear containers at eye level in the refrigerator you’re must more likely to reach for them when you fancy a snack. Make things easy for yourself with the occasional prep session every few days and you will quickly find yourself turning to the carrot stick more often.

Often, unhealthy food choices come more from the convenience than the enjoyment that they actually provide. If you can flip the situation, and make healthy foods the easy pick, you can completely transform your relationship with fruit and vegetables.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.