Eat More Fruits and Vegetables with These Three Simple Tips

According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, less than half of seniors are consuming the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables each day. There are many reasons why seniors tend to avoid eating fresh fruit and vegetables, such as difficulty chewing more fibrous fruit or vegetables or other health conditions that inhibit the digestion of such foods. Seniors who live alone and are male are less likely to consume the daily recommended amounts of fresh produce. Currently, the COVID-19 crisis is another contributing factor to a decline in consumption as many seniors are avoiding grocery stores or farmers’ markets. 

June is National Fruit and Vegetable Month. It’s a great month for seniors to reconsider their plates and try to consume more fresh produce. After all, fresh produce provides seniors with the most nutritional benefits and can even lower their risk for developing certain chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or stroke. Here are three simple tips to help seniors eat more fruits and vegetables.

Keep Fruit and Vegetables in Plain Sight

We typically eat what’s in front of us. Ensure that you’re making healthier choices by keeping fresh fruit and vegetables in plain sight. Leave room-temperature fruits and vegetables on your kitchen counters instead of tucked away in your pantry. Place refrigerator produce in clear containers at eye level so that you see them when you first open the door. Tuck other snack foods away in your pantry or on lower or upper shelves in the refrigerator. You’ll see the healthier options first and you’ll also be reminded to consume more fresh produce.

Sprinkle Snacks with Fruit or Vegetables

Another simple way to increase your produce consumption is to sprinkle your favorite snacks with a little fruit or vegetables. If you enjoy yogurt, sprinkle in a handful of your favorite berries. If you prefer crunchier snacks, add a few slices of pepper or carrots to your bowl of chips. Do you enjoy a little peanut butter on top of crackers? Top them off with a slice of banana. Adding a quarter to half a serving of fruit of vegetable to your daily snacks will not only help you reach your daily intake goal but will also give you energy to keep you moving through the rest of your day. 

Purchase Precut Produce  

Finally, some seniors find that it’s more challenging to prepare fresh produce than it is to consume them. Arthritis, poor eyesight, or mobility limitations can prohibit some seniors from enjoying fresh produce. These seniors are more likely to purchase canned produce or stick to produce that doesn’t require any preparation. They miss out on the nutritional benefits of fresh produce, as well as the sensation of variety. Instead of letting your culinary limitations stop you from branching out, purchase precut produce. If your budget can’t stretch to pay the small premium for precut produce, opt for frozen over canned or wait for the precut produce to go on sale.

Another option to consider in order to consume more fresh fruit and vegetables is to partner with Visiting Angels Punta Gorda. One of the many senior home care services we provide is assistance with meal planning and preparation. Our caregivers can help you find creative ways to add more fresh fruit and vegetables into your daily meals. They can also help by slicing fresh produce so that it becomes a convenient snack or side dish for you to consume. We can also assist seniors with their grocery shopping by helping them place online grocery orders that can be delivered to their home. Let us be a part of your plan to consume more fresh fruit and vegetables. Please contact us today by calling 941-347-8288 Punta Gorda or 239-226-1620 Cape Coral.