You've heard this a million times, but the "5-A-Day" rule is the best. Trying to fit in 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day can be difficult. However, the benefits are endless. For example, the Phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables have been shown to help prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, neural tube birth defects, and obesity.

Here are 8 tips on how to squeeze in those 5 servings:
1) Add sliced bananas, strawberries or blueberrries to your cereal in the morning.
2) Add chopped fresh vegetables to your omelette.
3) Prepare a fruit smoothie. Use frozen fruit, yogurt, and skim milk. Sweeten with a small amount of juice.
4) Snack on baby carrots or chopped vegetables.
5) Add more veggies to your sandwich, such as tomatos, cucumbers, onions, avocado, and alfalfa sprouts.
6) Top a salad with grilled chicken and almond slices for a hearty dinner.
7) Use mixed frozen vegetables to prepare quick and easy stir-frys.
8) Have chopped fruit or mixed berries topped with light cool whip for dessert.

Author: Kelli Hairston, RD, LD

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