This archive report was first published on 17 October 2019.
The Easiest Way to Eat More Fruit ¶
October 17, 2019
According to a 2018 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report, only 12.2 percent of American adults eat 1 ½ to 2 cups of fruit daily. This is despite the fact that the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend consuming this amount of fruit daily.
One of the main reasons for this low consumption rate is the lack of availability of fresh produce in some areas. However, there are steps that can be taken to make eating more fruit easier and more convenient.
Here are three simple steps to help you eat more fruit:
Step 1: Buy the Right Kinds of Fruit ¶
When purchasing fruit, look for varieties that have a long shelf life and require minimal preparation. These include apples, bananas, grapes, pears, and peaches. Having these fruits on hand will make it easier to incorporate them into your diet.
These fruits can be referred to as 'Easy Fruits.'
Step 2: Display the Fruit Where You Can’t Ignore It ¶
Displaying fruit in a prominent location can help increase consumption. Try placing fruit bowls on your countertop or in a visible area of your kitchen. This will make it harder to ignore the fruit and more likely to eat it.
These fruits can be referred to as 'Obvious Fruits.'
Step 3: Eat Fruit While Cooking Breakfast ¶
Finally, try incorporating fruit into your daily routine by eating it while cooking breakfast. This can be as simple as snacking on an apple while making scrambled eggs or eating a banana while cooking oatmeal.
By following these three simple steps, you can make eating more fruit easier and more convenient. So, next time you're cooking breakfast, try incorporating some fruit into your meal.
— Paul Kita, Food & Nutrition Editor of Men's Health
