It can be difficult for busy moms to prioritize their health and nutrition, especially when they have a packed schedule.
However, incorporating more fruits into your diet is an excellent way to help your body get the essential vitamins and nutrients it needs to function. Here are some simple and easy tips that busy moms can use to eat more fruit.
1. Keep Fruit Handy
One of the easiest ways to eat more fruit is to have it readily available. Keep a fruit bowl on your kitchen counter or a tray of pre-cut fruit in your refrigerator.
This way, you can easily grab a piece of fruit whenever you are feeling hungry or need a quick snack.
2. Add Fruit to Your Breakfast
Starting the day with a nutritious breakfast is essential, and adding fruit to your meal can give you an extra boost of energy and nutrients. Try adding bananas, strawberries, or blueberries to your oatmeal or cereal.
Alternatively, consider making a smoothie bowl or fruit salad.
3. Make Fruit a Snack Option
When you are craving a snack, reach for fruit instead of processed foods. Not only does fruit provide a natural boost of energy, but it also contains fiber that can help you feel full for longer.
Consider packing a piece of fruit in your purse or gym bag for when hunger strikes.
4. Aim for Variety
It’s important to eat a variety of fruits to get a range of nutrients. Try to include different colors and types of fruit in your diet. For example, berries are rich in antioxidants while bananas provide an excellent source of potassium.
5. Incorporate Fruit into Your Meals
Adding fruit to your meals is an easy way to increase your daily intake. Consider adding sliced apples or grapes to your chicken salad or topping your pizza with pineapple.
Fruits like watermelon and mango can also be used to make refreshing summer salsa or as a topping for grilled fish.
6. Drink Fruit-Infused Water
Staying hydrated is essential, and drinking fruit-infused water is an excellent way to add flavor and nutrients to your water. Consider adding slices of oranges, lemons, or berries to your water bottle to make every sip more enjoyable.
7. Make Fruit the Star of Your Dessert
If you have a sweet tooth, consider using fruit as the star of your dessert. Simple fruit salads or grilled fruit kabobs can be a refreshing and healthy way to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Alternatively, try baking fruit like apples or peaches and topping them with a dollop of whipped cream.
8. Try Frozen Fruit
Frozen fruit is an excellent option for busy moms as it requires minimal preparation and can be kept on hand for whenever you need a quick snack.
Frozen berries can be added to smoothies or topped with a dollop of yogurt, while frozen grapes can be eaten as a refreshing snack on a hot day.
9. Shop Seasonally
Shopping seasonally is an excellent way to ensure that you get the freshest and most flavorful fruit possible. Additionally, seasonal fruit tends to be less expensive and more readily available.
Consider checking with your local farmers’ market to see what fruits are in season.
10. Get the Kids Involved
Fruit is an excellent snack option for kids, and getting them involved in the preparation process can encourage healthy eating habits.
Consider letting your kids pick out their favorite fruits at the grocery store or have them help prepare a fruit salad for the family.