Shopping For Fruits and Veggies

During the summer, markets are bursting with delicious, fruits and veggies that are healthy and delicious. Buying in-season usually results in higher quality produce at lower costs, and buying locally grown produce, or organic produce, helps you eat healthier too.

When shopping for fruits and vegetables for your family, look for vibrant color, and check that the skin does not have bruises or punctures. It's also a good idea to avoid anything shiny- this is usually a sign that the food was waxed to make it more attractive and appealing, but it's not better for you. In my house, I try to buy every few days, because when I buy a week's worth at a time (thinking I'd same time- less market trips) the fruit would go bad...total waste of money and good food. Get just what you need for a few days, and go twice a week to replenish your family's fresh fruit and veggie stock.

If you are looking for ways to get your family to eat more fruits and veggies, try these ideas:

♥ Make smoothies- they are delicious, and can provide a day's worth of fruit servings in a single glass.
♥ Add fresh veggies, such as mushrooms and peppers, to pasta sauce.
♥ Top a pizza with colorful, fresh vegetables and bake it together.
♥ If your family loves sandwiches, make sure they add a vegetable to each one (tomatoes or onions are popular choices).
♥ Offer sliced fruits as snacks to your children when they come home from school. Top with honey or cinammon to make it tastier if your children don't like plain fruit.
♥ Add slices of fruit to water for your family to drink. It may make them more eager to drink water too, when it's flavored with a sweet fruit. In my house, we add strawberries or oranges (yummy!)