Fruits and Veggies First!

I’ll be honest – I didn’t grow up eating a lot of whole fruits and vegetables. It just wasn’t something I was accustomed to. I have wondered if this is one reason that I have struggled with metabolic issues as an adult. In my health journey, have I had to teach myself how to incorporate them into my life. 🍏 

When my kids were little, I knew I wanted them to eat more whole fruits and vegetables that I did so I would ask them eat the fruit and/or vegetables that were on their plate first. It worked (mostly) and as teens they now eat them regularly and enjoy a good variety. They are way more likely to grab a banana or apple as a snack than I am.

When I started to try to really up my fruit and vegetable intake, I realized that the same ‘trick’ might work for me. The goal is to start every meal (or snack) with a fruit, veggie or a salad 🥝🍓🥒 no matter what the meal. I try to just keep it simple - today before lunch I simply peeled, cut and ate a huge carrot.

Here’s how it can work:
👉 Before eating your usual meal, eat some fresh, colorful produce of some sort
👉 It fills you up with nutrients and fiber, before reaching for the less healthy options
👉 What is really cool is that over time, your body gets used to the idea of eating fruits and veggies first and you’ll start craving them more! 🌟

Fruits and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins and minerals like:

Magnesium 🥑 (for relaxation and nerve function)

Potassium 🍌 (for heart and muscle function)

Vitamin C 🍊 (for immune support and skin health)
Vitamin A 🥕 (for healthy vision and skin)
Vitamin K 🥬 (for blood clotting and bone health)
These nutrients are key to helping your body and cells function best. Many studies have linked various vitamin and mineral deficiencies to metabolic issues such as insulin resistance and blood sugar issues.

Again, keeping it super simple is the key to success. Whether it’s an apple before lunch or a side salad before dinner it’s all about creating the habit and getting the nutrients. 💚