HOW TO EAT MORE FRUITS & VEGGIES

***FIVE EASY WAYS TO EAT ENOUGH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES EVERY DAY***

Obesity, diabetes, and cancer are on the rise, and it's partly because fewer than one-third of adults in the U.S. eat the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables each day.

So here are five EASY ways to make sure you do . . .

#1.) DRINK SMOOTHIES. It's an easy way to boost your fruit intake. Just make sure they're all-natural with no sugar added. If you're making your own, blend two kiwis, two bananas, a handful of grapes, some strawberries, and one cup of apple or orange juice.

#2.) SNACK ON VEGETABLES. They're just as filling as unhealthy alternatives, and they'll help you avoid the drop in energy that comes after eating a high-sugar snack.

#3.) ADD FRUIT TO YOUR BREAKFAST. If you have cereal or yogurt in the morning, sprinkle a handful of fruit on top. A chopped banana will give you an energy boost, and berries are packed with nutrients and antioxidants.

#4.) DOUBLE UP ON SERVINGS. Many people put far fewer vegetables on their plate than the standard portion size of 80 grams. So at lunch and dinner, eat twice as many vegetables as you think you should.

-If you eat MORE vegetables, you'll eat LESS of everything else, which can help you stay healthy AND lose weight.

#5.) DON'T SHY AWAY FROM FROZEN FRUIT AND VEGETABLES. Contrary to popular belief, they retain nutrients just as well as fresh fruits and veggies do. Plus, they're easy to prepare and cost a lot less. (AskMen.com)