Easy Ways to Get Your 9-A-Day

You’ve probably heard that teenagers are supposed to eat at least 9 servings (about 41/2-61/2 cups) of fruits and vegetables each day to stay healthy. But between school, homework and after-school activities, that may seem like a dream. With a little advance planning and creativity, though, you shouldn’t have any problem sneaking in the fruits and veggies your body needs.

Make it a goal to include at least one serving of fruits or vegetables at every meal and snack, including breakfast. Top your cereal with sliced bananas, or stuff a breakfast
burrito with fresh tomatoes. Frozen fruits and vegetables are just as nutritious as fresh and are great for smoothies and make easy side dishes.

Energize your body with fruit and veggie snacks. The carbs in fruits and vegetables are a must for energy. Want the energy to last? Combine them with a punch of protein like cheese, yogurt or peanut butter.

Get a variety and think color! Eat fruits and vegetables of different colors to provide a variety of valuable nutrients. As a general rule of thumb: the deeper the color, the more nutrients. Give them another try! As the years go by, your taste buds will change and “open up” to new flavors.

Just because you turned your nose up at broccoli as a little kid, doesn’t mean you wouldn’t like it now.

Have dessert. Dessert doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. To feed your craving for
something sweet, try baked apples and peaches, or make a parfait with fruit, granola and vanilla yogurt.

Try This Great Tasting Recipe for Veg-Out Pita Pockets