MS, RDN, CDN
Allison is a registered dietitian who holds a Master’s in Nutrition and Physical Fitness. She also loves helping families get creative with their wellness choices.
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is part of an overall healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables contain important nutrients: vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy antioxidants. Choosing a variety of fruits and vegetables will help you get a wider range of nutrients. No single fruit or vegetable provides all the nutrients you need to be healthy. Eat plenty of them and plenty of variety every day.
Also, don’t forget that eating many fruits and vegetables when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding can help prime your baby for acceptance of these foods down the line. The more varied your diet, the more flavor exposure for your baby. In the short-term, this may lead to your baby being a less picky eater and more willing to try new foods. In the long-term, you’ll help your baby get off to a good start for a lifetime of healthy eating preferences.
Eat a variety of types and colors of produce in order to give your body the mix of nutrients it needs. Try dark leafy greens, brightly colored red, yellow, and orange vegetables and fruits, and aim to eat both raw and cooked fruits and veggies. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is a wonderful way to help optimize your nutrient intake while at the same time packing a powerful punch of flavors and textures to your diet.
Some simple tips that may make all the difference in getting you and your family to increase your fruit and veggie intake include:
Choosing meals and snacks from the below listed options will help you consume foods that will increase your dietary fruit and vegetable intake, while enhancing the quality of you and your baby’s diet.
For more on this topic, check out the following articles:
Our Happy Family Organic Superfoods Cookbook for Baby & Toddler is chock-full of yummy, easy-to-prepare meals your whole family will love.