There is a great deal of research showing the importance of eating five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day.  While most of us have heard and understand this fact, few of us are actually getting the required amounts in our daily diet.  Here are some tips.

• Make vegetables a part of a daily meal routine.  This is especially important with young children.  If vegetables (especially brightly colored vegetables such as carrots) are included in a daily diet, they can be enjoyed and understood as a part of a normal dinner routine.  Having two vegetables as side dishes adds variety.

• Add vegetables to breakfast.  Peppers, onions, asparagus, broccoli, etc. are all fantastic additions to an omelet.  Don't know how to make omelets.  Try scrambled eggs with any of these items or even spinach for eggs Florentine.

• Vegetables can be a healthy snack by dipping the vegetable in a low-fat dressing such as ranch, thousand island or even bleu cheese. 

• Canned or frozen vegetables can be a terrific option.  There have been many studies that show frozen vegetables having as much or more nutritional benefits than their fresh equivalent.  Canned and frozen vegetables are harvested at their peak of freshness and are processed within hours to preserve their fresh taste and nutrition. 

For additional information see:

www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov

For additional information on the wide variety of Hanover frozen vegetables, see http://www.hanoverfoods.com/products/hanover-frozen-vegetables

For additional information on the wide variety of Hanover canned vegetables, see http://www.hanoverfoods.com/products/hanover-canned-vegetables