How to eat more fruits and vegetables
How I did it: To be honest, I was forced into it by really severe health problems. I won't go into what they were because they have to do with the digestive tract. Fruit is one of the easiest things for the body to digest, and I've done several fruit fasts where I ate nothing but fruit - during these fasts I felt lighter and healthier than I had in years. Unfortunately I can't afford to eat like that all the time, so I integrated fruit smoothies with whole food powder into my diet and I try to have one every day or every two days (depending on my supplies!) I also have found better tasting frozen vegetables and easy ways to eat them - one of my favourite easy meals is to put frozen vegetables and frozen chicken breast strips into a microwaveable container, add some wholesome blended soup and cheese on top. It takes less than 5 minutes to prepare and is really quite healthy.
Lessons & tips: It's about one food choice at a time. I struggle with binge eating disorder, so I still go out and get junk every once and awhile, but my meals have gotten healthier. I try to eat more salads and find interesting ways of combining vegetables with chicken. I eat fruit to sate my sweet tooth more of the time. Another thing I haven't done yet but am planning to is to try one unfamiliar fruit or vegetable from the grocery store whenever I go shopping. It's a little adventure and a varied diet is definitely healthier!
Resources: President's Choice products (found in Canada at Loblaw's own stores like Zehrs and the Real Canadian Superstore) offers a lot of frozen products that have saved me. Frozen berries, frozen vegetables and frozen pre-cooked chicken breast strips especially.
