Weight loss clinics recommend adopting Fruit & Vegetables Month

There are a few days left in September, which means that people who are following diets and weight loss programs can still benefit from adopting new habits inspired by National Fruit and Vegetables month. While weight loss clinics recommend increasing your consumption of this food group all year long, it’s a great time to motivate yourself to actually do it. 

photo source: fitsugar.com

Have you made any changes this month in honor of this month long “holiday?” If not, there’s still time! There is no better way to maximize the nutrients you get from the foods you consume than to eat more fruits and vegetables. Here are ideas that patients of our weight loss clinics shared with us:

Add fruit to everything you can think of. Make it a habit to include your favorites to as many of your meals as possible. Cereal and oatmeal are no-brainers, but also try adding fruit to Greek yogurt, pancakes, French toast, salads and casseroles that can benefit from some natural sweetness. You can even add fruit to products for weight loss such as protein shakes and smoothies.

Ditto for veggies. Add vegetables to soups, casseroles, poultry dishes and pizzas.

Pre-slice and dice it for snacking. There’s a reason people reach for pre-made snacks and products for weight loss when they’re on the go—convenience. Slice up fruits and veggies at the beginning of the week and store them in freezer safe containers and sandwich bags so you can grab them and take them with you on your way out the door.

Sandwich your fruit and vegetables. Add some flair to sandwiches (on whole grain bread or pita, of course) by adding interesting choices like apples, pears, sliced pineapple, cucumbers, mushrooms, pepper and tomatoes. In fact, throw that all together for a meal on its own. 

Individuals following diets or weight loss programs  can truly benefit by taking National Fruits and Vegetables month seriously. There is no better way to take in the soluble fiber, which is key for weight loss, as well as the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that improve your health.