Having a hard time getting your daily requirement of fruits and veggies? Check out these 5 super simple tips that work even for the pickiest eaters!

Fruits and vegetables make up the largest part of the food pyramid, yet I forget about them just about every day. I can’t stand most vegetables, so I’m not likely to eat a big salad or something like that. I love fruits, but I still somehow forget to eat them regularly. Since I’m trying (emphasis on trying) to eat healthier, I am always looking for more ways to fit in the good stuff.

Tips for squeezing more fruits and veggies into your diet

1. Opt for the highly portable kind.

Sitting down with a big salad (even a fruit salad) may not be practical for people on the go. I spend hours working online between my own site and the other sites I work for. I eat in front of my computer a lot. I know that’s not exactly the best way to stay healthy and eat right, but it’s the way it is. I’m much more likely to sneak in a banana or apple than I am to eat fruit that requires napkins or cutlery. My keyboard is already gunky enough from the boy-child using it to play games, I don’t need to add to that with sticky juices from, say, oranges!

2. Add them in.

If you eat cereal or oatmeal in the morning, toss in some bananas, strawberries, or blueberries. More of an eggs type of person? Throw some tomato-based salsa in and turn it into an omelet or wrap! Eating fruits and veggies first thing in the morning is a great way to start the day right. Plus, it turns a boring meal into something a little more exciting.

3. Double-up. 

Having a hard time sneaking in fruits and veggies throughout the day? Double-up on the amount you eat with your dinner, while cutting back on the higher calorie menu items. If you’re making soup, add more than the recommended amount of veggies. Make vegetable the starring role on your plate rather than just a side dish. I wish I could do this more often, but there are only like 4 vegetables that I’ll willingly eat.

4. Have someone sneak them in.

When it comes to veggies, I pretty much have to be treated like a child. If someone can sneak in the veggies without me knowing it, there’s a good chance I’ll eat them. I’ve heard of people pureeing carrots, cauliflower, and spinach to sneak into sauces and whatnot. Yes, I know how very sad it sounds that I have to have someone trick me into eating vegetables. I am what I am, though, and that’s an incredibly picky eater!

5. Drink it up.

This is my favorite way to squeeze in some of my daily requirement of fruits and vegetables because it’s highly convenient, portable, and relatively cost-effective (have you seen the price on produce lately?). If you’re a picky eater like me, load up a smoothie with your favorite fruits, then sneak in couple of small carrots. The fruit flavors will cover up the taste of the carrots!