Adding fruits and vegetables to meals

Below are some ideas how to sneak fruits and vegetables into your day. How do you add them into your meals? Please post and share your ideas.

Breakfast

• Add fresh or thawed frozen strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to cereal or on top of low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese

• Add bell peppers, onions, salsa, or spinach to morning omelets.

• Eat sliced tomato or cucumber on a bagel

• Add chopped apple and cinnamon or canned pumpkin to a bowl of oatmeal

Lunch and Dinner

• Pack grape tomatoes, peapods, baby carrots, cucumber slices, or celery sticks to dip in low-fat ranch dressing.

• Add shredded broccoli and carrots, spinach, or pear slices to a sandwich

• Choose a side salad or fruit instead of fries when eating at a restaurant

• Ask for an extra vegetable of the day or vegetable soup at a restaurant

• Microwave a bag of frozen vegetables and top with a handful of chopped almonds or walnuts, lemon pepper, or low-fat Italian dressing for a quick side dish

• Add more vegetables (fresh or frozen) to family-favorite entrees that typically contain few to no vegetables, such as casseroles, pasta, and soups.